Mrs. Samuel Hall Williams (Abigail Swing)

1870–1916 · Virkested

Philadelphia

1874

Engaged to Kathrin Crowell

Eakins became engaged to Kathrin Crowell, the sitter of his first large portrait; the engagement lasted five years, until her death.

1875

Meets Susan Macdowell

At the Hazeltine Gallery, where “The Gross Clinic” was on show, Eakins met the 25-year-old Susan Macdowell, daughter of a Philadelphia engraver. Unlike many, she was impressed by the painting and went to study with him at the Academy for six years, winning the Mary Smith Prize for the best painting by a woman student.

1876

Centennial Exhibition: “The Gross Clinic” rejected

The committee of the Centennial Exhibition rejected “The Gross Clinic” for the Art Gallery — it was shown in an exhibit of a U.S. Army Post Hospital — while “The Chess Players” was accepted, much admired and praised by critics. One reviewer knew of nothing greater ever executed in America, but the blood on the canvas troubled the public, and the college finally bought the picture for just $200.

1876

Begins teaching at the Pennsylvania Academy

After the Academy's new building designed by Frank Furness opened, Eakins returned to teach there, at first as a volunteer; in 1878 he became a salaried professor.