Final answer:
Thomas Eakins was influenced by scientific anatomy and sports in selecting his subject matter, as exemplified by his paintings like 'The Gross Clinic' and 'Swimming Hole'. His focus on scientific realism and accurate portrayal of human form underlines his academic training and commitment to realism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter chosen by Thomas Eakins for his artworks was greatly influenced by several factors. Primarily, Eakins was influenced by scientific anatomy, as seen in his famous painting 'The Gross Clinic', which depicts a medical surgery in the process. This painting showcases Eakins' interest in the honest depiction of the human form and his commitment to scientific realism. Also, sports featured prominently in his work, reflecting the emerging interest in physical activities and their impact on the form and movement of the human body. Furthermore, his academic training and obsession with accuracy led him to incorporate lifelike details, frequently using photographic projection to aid in composition, ensuring each figure was traced with precision.
While 'The Gross Clinic' forms a significant part of Eakins' oeuvre, highlighting both his scientific interests and hometown of Philadelphia, Eakins is also known for his paintings like 'Swimming Hole', which depicted male nud es in natural settings, demonstrating his challenge to Victorian sensibilities towards nudity and his mastery of the human form. Eakins' works represent a bridge from European traditions, such as those of Italian frescoes, to an American context, adding a layer of cultural significance to his selections.