Homage to Amelia

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Brooke Rosenblatt

National Poetry Month and the multitude of pithy one-liners we’ve received from our “What is Amelia Thinking” talkback station in the galleries have inspired me to create some free verse poetry. Using submissions from a recent weekend, I have cobbled together 8 entrants for this poetic homage to Amelia van Buren.

Thank you to two anonymous visitors, Steve from DC, Jake from DC, Vera from MD, Jim from MD, Lucy from NJ, Sue from PA, and Zobo from VA for the creativity!

Thomas Eakins, Miss Amelia Van Buren, c. 1891. Oil on canvas, 45 x 32 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, Acquired 1927

What is Amelia Thinking?
…Did I leave the stove on?
Why are you staring at me, I can own u!
How much longer is this painting going to take?
I really, really! would like to scratch my nose
Why me?
I’m bored.
God, I have to tinkle.
Why am I stuck in this portrait? When will I get OUT!

Amelia the Thinker #MyAmericanArt

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Experiment Station

Ever wonder what the person is a painting is thinking about? We do ALL THE TIME, especially Miss Amelia Van Buren, the subject of Thomas Eakins’s painting on view in Made in the USA: American Masters from The Phillips Collection, 1850–1970.

We’ve been inviting visitors to consider, “What is Amelia thinking?” We shared some initial submissions a few weeks ago and we’re so excited by the responses we wanted to publish more highlights.

What do you think Amelia is thinking about? Share your ideas on what Amelia is thinking via Instagram or Twitter using #MyAmericanArt. Or if you’re nearby, come see the painting and submit your response at our in-gallery comment station.

What is Amelia Thinking?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Experiment Station

Since Made in the USA: American Masters from The Phillips Collection, 1850–1970 opened, visitors have shared their ideas about what Miss Amelia Van Buren, the subject of Thomas Eakins’s painting, may be thinking.

We’ve gotten 75 submissions so far via a comment station in the galleries and social media.

What do you think Amelia is thinking? Instagram a photo or Tweet your ideas using #MyAmericanArt.

Below are some highlights from the first week of the exhibition. We love the creativity!

Visitor submissions from our talkback station in the galleries.