Eakins, Thomas Eakins, Thomas (1844-1916). American painter. Eakins is regarded by most critics as the outstanding American painter of the 19th century and by many as the greatest his country has yet produced. Photographs by Mark Harden and Carol Gerten-Jackson. Max Schmitt in a Single Scull 1871 (110 Kb); Oil on canvas, 82.6 x 117.5 cm (32 1/2 x 46 1/4 in); The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New ...