William Rush’s Model portrays a moment of artistic creation, depicting a nude female model posing for William Rush, one of the most important early American sculptors. Eakins' vision centers on the woman who made the statue possible. Portrayed nude in the cool light of a spare studio, she’s rendered with frank, anatomical clarity. The painting is a study of observation and craft, recasting the “model” as collaborator. In a nation still skittish about the nude, Eakins argues for truth before decorum, letting form, flesh, and quiet work carry the meaning.

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.