How did Thomas Eakins die?

The Final Curtain: Remembering Thomas Eakins’s Last Days

Thomas Eakins. Just the name conjures up images of gritty, honest American scenes, doesn’t it? Born in Philadelphia back in 1844, he wasn’t afraid to paint life as it really was, with all its beauty and imperfections. He was a true master of Realism, capturing the spirit of his subjects with incredible detail and a deep understanding of human emotion. But like all of us, Eakins’s story eventually came to an end. On June 25, 1916, he passed away in the city where it all began, Philadelphia.

He was 71 years old. While there’s been some speculation about other factors that might have played a role, the official cause of death was heart failure. It’s also been whispered that his health wasn’t the best in his later years, possibly made worse by lead poisoning from the paints he used so passionately. And, if the stories are true, he was also battling kidney problems. It just goes to show, even artistic geniuses aren’t immune to the struggles of the human body.

It’s a shame that Eakins faced so much controversy during his career. Can you imagine being criticized for simply trying to show the world as you saw it? But thankfully, he did get some recognition before he left us. He was made a National Academician in 1902, which must have been a proud moment.

Eakins was a pretty private guy, even in death. He asked to be cremated, with no fuss, no flowers, no big funeral. His ashes were placed in a family plot, near the Schuylkill River – a place that probably held a lot of memories for him. Later on, after his wife Susan passed away in 1938, her ashes were added to his urn. A quiet, understated ending for a man who made such a powerful impact.

Even though his life had its share of challenges, Thomas Eakins’s art continues to resonate with us today. He remains one of America’s most important artists, a true visionary who dared to paint the truth. And that’s a legacy that will last forever.