William Rush’s Model portrays a moment of artistic creation, depicting a nude female model posing for one of the most important early American sculptors. Eakins' vision centers on the woman who made the statue possible, portraying the model with frank, anatomical clarity as a study of observation and craft. In a nation still skittish about the nude, Eakins argues for truth before decorum, letting form and flesh carry the work.

Thomas Eakins (1844–1916) was a leading American realist painter, known for his unflinching dedication to anatomical accuracy and depth. His works often explored the human body, portraiture, and artistic or scientific study. William Rush’s Model exemplifies his ability to combine historical themes with contemporary realism, creating a piece that is both a tribute to early American art and a powerful study of the nude form in artistic practice.