The Concert Singer

"The Concert Singer" by Thomas Eakins is a mesmerizing painting from 1892 that showcases the talented singer Weda Cook. This artwork, now housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, represents Eakins's first full-length portrait of a woman and forms part of a series celebrating prominent Philadelphia figures in science and culture.

Eakins's dedication to realism and historical accuracy is evident in this piece. Cook, a distinguished contralto from Camden, is portrayed in a pink dress and slippers. Eakins's expert use of light and color breathes life into her skin tones, while the minimalist composition suggests a public performance. This painting not only captures America's admiration for high culture but also depicts Cook as both imposing and sensuous.

The creation of "The Concert Singer" involved a meticulous process. Eakins carried out comprehensive studies and sketches, with Cook posing numerous times. To ensure precision, she even sang during the sessions to help Eakins capture the movement of her throat. The painting’s frame features a unique detail: the opening bars of a Mendelssohn aria, subtly honoring poet Walt Whitman, whom both Eakins and Cook admired.

Initially retained by Eakins until his death, "The Concert Singer" was donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1929. Although Eakins held the painting in high esteem during his lifetime, it was appraised at a significantly lower value after his death. The artwork’s history highlights the profound connection between Eakins and Cook, adding layers of personal and sentimental significance to this captivating portrait.