Samuel Murray, lover of Thomas Eakins

Although both ended up married, they carried on a steady decades-long relationship that began when Murray became a student of Eakins.  At seventeen years of age, Murray was a member of the Arts Student League where Eakins taught.  He became a favoured student, and eventually Eakins' assistant.  They were very close, spending much time together, cycling, fishing, and attending boxing matches.  The above photo was taken at Eakins' Chestnut Street studio in Philadelphia around 1890-92.  It appears to be a Cyanotype.  The studio was shared between them in an arrangement lasting some eight years, with the artists sometimes painting and sculpting the same model.  Murray took care of Eakins in his old age.  Both Murray's and Eakins' marriages were childless.

More on cyanotypes here: JD