What is the moral worth of a $68 million painting?

There have been a few who in the past weeks questioned the moral value of spending $68 million dollars on "The Gross Clinic" by Thomas Eakins. This is a mute point because it was the original parties who arrived at the value.

Many would agree that helping the poor is very important. Catherine Drexel used her fortune to help the Native Americans and the poor. Alice Walton chose to spend her wealth on creating an art museum while Bill Gates funds health care. Those with wealth find those charities that they care to help. I have heard no call for the churches to give up their art collections to help the poor. Art can be a source of spiritual healing. "The Gross Clinic" inspires and gives hope.


If there is a concern for improving health care and ending poverty in America then raise the minimum wage to $17.50 per hour.