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Thomas Eakins (American, 1844–1916). John Biglin in a Single Scull. 1874. Oil on canvas. Photo credit: Yale University Art Gallery / Art Resource, NY. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn, USA.

Known for his motion studies as well as for his paintings and sculpture, Eakins was an amateur rower who understood muscle physiology and biomechanics. John Biglin, a sports superstar in his day, often was described as a “nearly perfect physical specimen.” The canvas is a kind of clay: Biglin’s arms seem to have been sculpted rather than painted. The blade of the oar is outside the frame, the tip of the blade perpetually dipping at the surface, Biglin’s arms always in full extension as he prepares to drive the blade through the water, the embodiment of muscle strength and power.