The picture also inspired a typically American controversy. It was
considered so shocking that, when Eakins entered it in Philadelphia's
Centennial Exhibition, it was accepted but hidden away in a dim corner, lest
it offend. "Revolting to the last degree," one squeamish critic called it.
The painting was sold for $200 to Jefferson Medical College, where Eakins
himself had taken anatomy lessons. Now it's being sold for $68 million. And
it's a bargain at that.
One critic has called the picture, "hands down, the finest 19th century
American painting." Superlatives are subjective when it comes to art, but
"The Gross Clinic" is surely the best-known historical marker in that
century of American art.
Having begun its trajectory in art history in the late 19th century as
something shockingly new, "The Gross Clinic" would become a venerated
masterpiece-until the next wave of American art hit, and realism became
something to rebel against in the early 20th century. It's a familiar story.
But even while its name has become a standard answer on pop quizzes in Art
History 101, the painting retains its power. The old doctor, the young
students row upon row, the Creator's work opened under an almost heavenly
light that illuminates the art of healing Š the work still inspires awe.
The painting isn't quite sold yet. If Philadelphia's museums and government
institutions can match the $68 million offer to the medical school within 45
days, the painting could stay in that city.
So now will come the usual wringing of hands and expressions of offended
pride when a great city loses a great work of art, even though it's one that
belongs to all Americans. Surely the City of Brotherly Love can display some
in this case. It isn't as if Crystal Bridges had bought the statue of Rocky
Balboa that now adorns the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
If the sale goes through, Thomas Eakins' famous painting will have a new
locale. Or rather two of them. First it would go to the National Gallery
while Crystal Bridges remains under construction. Once the museum opens-it's
due to be ready some time in 2009-the painting would go there.
Crystal Bridges' growing collection already includes a Gilbert Stuart
portrait of George Washington painted during his last year as president, and
acquired just a few months ago.
The news that "The Gross Clinic" is joining "Kindred Spirits" and the
Gilbert Stuart in Arkansas has sent a shiver of anticipation through us all
here in Arkansas. The museum's opening day can't come soon enough for those
of us eager to view these American masterpieces-and others yet to be
announced- in a setting that promises to be a work of art itself.
Thanks to Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges has already begun to live up to its
promise-and its name. It's started to gleam even before it's built.
There's just one thing that could make the splendid news about Alice
Walton's latest acquisition for her dream palace any better. Oh, if only H.
L. Mencken still walked among us! That old curmudgeon's splenetic assault on
the South and almost all things Southern still delights for its sheer
vitriol. The Sahara of the Bozart, he called Dixie, compacting "beaux arts"
in the Suthuhn way. A lover of language, he had an ear for ours.
The Sage of Baltimore was particularly hard on Arkansas. Mencken! thou
shouldst be living at this hour-and getting ready to visit that great
treasure house of American art now a-risin' in, yes, the heart of the
Ozarks.