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"The Gross Clinic" ReproductionI have recently competed a full size 8 x 6 1/2 ft. copy of Thomas Eakins' masterpiece, "The Gross Clinic". The original painting was recently purchased by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from Jefferson University for 68 million dollars. It has been on display at the Phila. Museum of Art and in mid-March, 2007, will be transferred to the Pennsylvania Academy. It is generally considered to be the greatest single painting produced by an American artist, and is incontestably the masterpiece of Thomas Eakins.In early January of 2006, when the sale of the painting was still pending, I became involved in a fundraising effort to keep the painting in Philadelphia. Several PAFA alumni and myself joined forces and sold buttons that read "Keep Gross in Philadelphia" to raise money and awareness of this cause. I also commenced my full-size copy, which I executed in the lobby of the 2 Penn Center building, eventually transferring it to my studio for completion. I spent roughly three months on this project, using numerous reproductions of the original, as well as visiting it several times a week. I also tried as much as possible to paint it in the manner of Eakins, using classical methods that I learned from celebrated PAFA instructor Arthur DeCosta, whom I studied under in the mid-80s. It has been a rewarding experience, and has greatly increased my knowledge and appreciation of Thomas Eakins. The painting is available for purchase, rental, or lectures, and I am seeking opportunities to display it in public venues. If you are interested, or can suggest such a venue, please contact me directly at 267 679 7853. |