Eakins National News- NPR & NY Times
In the NY Times there is a story that tries to present the story of the sale of "The Gross Clinic" by Eakins. What is missing is the voice of the artists who have spoken out against the sale. I guess that artists don't matter to Ms. Vogel.
The same can be said about the NPR reports found here.
This says everything about how art is viewed in America when artists voices are shut out of the discussion. It is no wonder that people are surprised by the reaction to the sale. In the Times story Ms. Vogel quotes Mr. Goldsmith:
“I’m happy to see people passionate about something,” said Phil Goldsmith, a former chief financial officer for the City of Philadelphia. “But this takes me by surprise. I’m passionate about the increasing homicide rate in the city and the number of homeless people I see on the streets, but it never entered my mind that ‘The Gross Clinic’ is so important.”
Perhaps if Mr. Goldsmith talked to artists he would understand the interest in Eakins and their passion for the painting.
The PMA and PAFA have done a great service in leading the effort to keep the painting in Philadelphia. I think it would be interesting to report about what artists who have a kinship with Eakins think. Of course many in the art world wish realism had died with Thomas Eakins. What would have Thomas Eakins said about the sale of his painting? He was not against selling his art. Would he have preferred a museum or wealthy collector buy it? Was the sale to Jefferson alumni his dream? What seems clear is that he painted the next paint- every day.
The same can be said about the NPR reports found here.
This says everything about how art is viewed in America when artists voices are shut out of the discussion. It is no wonder that people are surprised by the reaction to the sale. In the Times story Ms. Vogel quotes Mr. Goldsmith:
“I’m happy to see people passionate about something,” said Phil Goldsmith, a former chief financial officer for the City of Philadelphia. “But this takes me by surprise. I’m passionate about the increasing homicide rate in the city and the number of homeless people I see on the streets, but it never entered my mind that ‘The Gross Clinic’ is so important.”
Perhaps if Mr. Goldsmith talked to artists he would understand the interest in Eakins and their passion for the painting.
The PMA and PAFA have done a great service in leading the effort to keep the painting in Philadelphia. I think it would be interesting to report about what artists who have a kinship with Eakins think. Of course many in the art world wish realism had died with Thomas Eakins. What would have Thomas Eakins said about the sale of his painting? He was not against selling his art. Would he have preferred a museum or wealthy collector buy it? Was the sale to Jefferson alumni his dream? What seems clear is that he painted the next paint- every day.
posted by Charles Hankin at 6:26 AM
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