The Thomas Jefferson University has authorized the sale of Thomas Eakins' painting 'The Gross Clinic'. Painted in 1875, the piece was purchased for 200 dollars by the university in 1878. The painting has long been viewed as a symbol of art and science coming together.
The image is now worth a record 68 million dollars. An amount that The National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.) and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville, Arkansas) have agreed to pay. The painting will be displayed by both institutions.
Local art museums and governmental institutions have 45 days to counter the bid. The sale has been arranged by Christie's in New York. Other paintings by the artist have sold for up to 10 million dollars.
The painting will not be exhibited in Philadelphia anytime soon if the sell is finalized. Public outcry is expected since 'The Gross Clinic' is considered by many to be a symbol of Philadelphia and the local science/art community.
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