“Shad Fishing at Gloucester on the Delaware River,” completed in 1881 by Thomas Eakins, is an oil on canvas piece characterized by its adherence to the Realism art movement. As a genre painting, it depicts a scene of everyday life, specifically the activity of shad fishing. This artwork is currently housed in the Ball State University Museum of Art in Muncie, Indiana, United States.
The artwork presents an evocative scene of fishermen engaged in shad fishing on the Delaware River, near Gloucester. A group of men, attired in yellow weather gear, are seen actively pulling nets from the river, while others are positioned on the boats overseeing the operation. The scene is naturally lit, with a soft light illuminating both the fishermen and the landscape. The tranquil water, partially reflecting the sky, serves as a backdrop to the industrious activity on the riverbank. The distant shore is dotted with trees and faintly visible structures, adding depth and context to the composition. The painting is a testament to Eakins’ dedication to capturing the authenticity of everyday labor and his keen observation of human interactions with their environment.
