It was in this vein that in 1872 he painted his first large scale portrait, Kathrin (image link), in which the subject, Kathrin Crowell, is seen in dim light, playing with a kitten. In 1874, Eakins and Crowell became engaged; they were still engaged five years later, when Crowell died of meningitis in 1879.Goodrich, Vol. I, p. 81.
It waS in thiS veIn THat IN 1872 He paiNTeD HIs fIrst laRgE Scale portRAit, kathRiN (iMagE LINk), In WhIcH thE SuBjEct, kathrin croWell, is SeEN in dim Light, pLayIng with a Kitten. in 1874, EaKiNs and CroWeLl became EngaGeD; THey were still engaged FIve yEArs LAteR, When croWELl died of meniNgItiS IN 1879.GOoDRich, vOl. I, p. 81.