Max Schmitt in a Single Scull facts for kids
Max Schmitt in a Single Scull is a famous oil painting created by the American artist Thomas Eakins. He painted it in 1871. This artwork shows a man named Max Schmitt in a small rowing boat called a single scull. The painting is not very big, measuring about 32.6 by 46.3 centimeters. You can see it today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The scene in the painting takes place on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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About the Painting
This painting is special because it shows a real person, Max Schmitt, who was a friend of the artist Thomas Eakins. Max Schmitt was a well-known rower at the time. Eakins himself loved rowing and often painted scenes of people on the water.
The Setting: Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill River was a popular place for rowing in Philadelphia during the 1800s. Many rowing clubs were located along its banks. Eakins captured the calm water and the peaceful feeling of being on the river. He included details like bridges in the background.
What You See in the Painting
In the painting, Max Schmitt is in his boat, taking a break from rowing. He looks relaxed and thoughtful. The light in the painting is very clear, showing the reflections on the water. Eakins even included a small self-portrait of himself in another boat in the distance. This shows how much he was part of the rowing community.
Images for kids
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Detail of Schmitt. Note the riggers.
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Schuylkill River Rowing Course (1872).
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Detail: Eakins's self-portrait.
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Detail: Pennsylvania Railroad Connecting Bridge, with Girard Avenue Bridge beyond.
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G-44A Eakins's drawing of the Girard Avenue Bridge, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
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G-64 Sketch of Max Schmitt (circa 1870–71), Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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G-63 Oarsmen on the Schuylkill (The Pennsylvania Barge Four) (circa 1874), Brooklyn Museum. From right to left: John Lavens, Jr. (stroke), Max Schmitt, Frank Henderson, Oscar F. West (bow).
