Analysis Of The Portrait Of Dr. Samual D. Gross Clinic

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The Portrait of Dr. Samual D. Gross, also known as The Gross Clinic by Thomas Eakins, is recognized as one of the greatest American paintings for depicting the scientific achievements of Philadelphia. Thomas Eakins, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was born in 1844. After graduating from high school, he attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He also participated in dissections and observed surgeries at Jefferson Medical College. In 1866, he continued his artistic training in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts. His experience at the medical college and in Paris helped him develop an appreciation for the human body. When he returned to Philadelphia, he devoted his time depicting the city and its fascinating people in his artwork. He eventually became a professor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and was known for his radical beliefs of training artists to understand the anatomy of the human body. Eakins admired the work of Dr. Samuel Gross, a famous surgeon in Philadelphia. Dr. Gross was well-known in the city for his innovative surgical techniques and contributions to the Philadelphia medical community. In 1875, Eakins painted Dr. Gross while he removed dead tissue from the …show more content…

Gross’ role as the surgeon. Gross stands in the center of the painting against the dark background as a light from above illuminates his forehead like a glowing white star. As the only standing figure in the image, his presence and dominance is felt in the room. He is seen looking away from the surgical table, but his black eyes hold little emotion. His body is still as he holds the bloody scalpel in his hand like a pencil. While his fingers are drenched in blood there seems to be a sense of calmness in his stature as he explains the procedure to the audience of students. Eakins’ dramatic and calm representation of Dr. Gross shows the important role of a surgeon who holds life and death in his

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