Copy photograph of portrait of Walt Whitman painted by Thomas Eakins

Thomas Eakins (July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916) - American realist painter, photographer, and sculptor, born in Philadelphia, a pioneer in the field of photography. He was one of the first artists to use photography as a tool for studying the human form and movement. He took photographs of his students and used them as references for his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Eakins is best known for his portraits, figure paintings, and illustrations of sporting events, particularly rowing. He died in 1916.