Thomas Eakins

Thomas Cowperthwait Eakins (July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916) was an American realist painter, photographer, sculptor, and fine arts educator. He is widely acknowledged[2] to be one of the most important artists in American art history.[3]

from http://www.thomaseakins.org/

In 1894 the artist wrote: "My honors are misunderstanding, persecution & neglect, enhanced because unsought."

from Sewell, Darrel: Thomas Eakins: Artist of Philadelphia, page xvi. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1982.

see also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Eakins

and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_by_Thomas_Eakins