Abstract
Thomas Eakins created images of the past throughout his career. AkelaReason contends that Eakins valued these historical works as much or more than the paintings commonly regarded as his masterpieces (works such as The Champion Single Sculls [1871] and The Gross Clinic [1875]), and that through his historical works Eakins sought to showcase his professional beliefs, to link his work to the great art of the past, and to establish his artistic legacy.