Art Robbers > #12

The Gross Clinic

The scene opens with Hercules and Wu Tang planning to steal an artwork.

Wu Tang

Hey Hercules, what kind of artwork are we going to steal today?

Hercules

Ah, my dear Wu Tang, today we shall steal a magnificent piece called 'The Gross Clinic' by Thomas Eakins.

Wu Tang

Tell me more about it, Hercules.

Hercules

Certainly, Wu Tang. 'The Gross Clinic' is a painting created in 1875 by American artist Thomas Eakins. It's an oil painting on canvas and measures 8 feet by 6.5 feet.

Hercules

In the painting, you can see Dr. Samuel D. Gross, a seventy-year-old professor, wearing a black frock coat. He is giving a lecture to a group of students from Jefferson Medical College.

Hercules

If you look closely, you'll notice a self-portrait of Eakins himself on the right-hand side, sketching or writing something. And over Dr. Gross's shoulder, there's Dr. Franklin West, the clinic clerk, busy taking notes.

Wu Tang

I see. But why is this painting so important?

Hercules

Ah, Wu Tang, it has immense historical significance. You see, 'The Gross Clinic' captures the emergence of surgery as a healing profession. Before this, surgery was mainly associated with amputation, which caused many complications and even death.

Hercules

This painting shows us what a surgical theater looked like in the nineteenth century, before the adoption of a hygienic environment. It is often compared with Eakins's later painting, 'The Agnew Clinic', which depicts a cleaner and brighter surgical theater.

Hercules

In 'The Gross Clinic', you can see the surgeons in their frock coats, surrounding an anesthetized patient. This particular surgery was a conservative operation, unlike the amputations of the time.

Hercules

One striking difference between 'The Gross Clinic' and 'The Agnew Clinic' is the presence of a professional nurse in the latter. Her name is Mary Clymer, and she adds to the advancement in understanding the importance of infection prevention.

Wu Tang

Wow, that's fascinating! But why is this painting so shocking?

Hercules

Excellent question, my dear Wu Tang. 'The Gross Clinic' shocked audiences when it was first exhibited. The painting shows a rather gory surgery and presents a figure, whose gender is not entirely discernible, in an odd manner.

Hercules

There is also a woman, possibly the patient's mother, in the middle ground of the painting. She is depicted in distress, with a dramatic pose that contrasts strongly with the calm and professional demeanor of the men.

Hercules

Now, Wu Tang, let me continue to express my admiration for the piece...

Bob

Hold it right there, Hercules!

Bob sniffs out their plan and interrupts Hercules.

Wu Tang

Oh no, not Bob again! I better make my escape!

Wu Tang runs away while Hercules is still enthusing about the artwork.

Hercules

Wait, Wu Tang! Oh well, time to run myself!

Hercules comes to his senses and follows Wu Tang.

Wu Tang

Mumbling complaints about the boss.

Wu Tang mumbles complaints about Hercules as she escapes.

The Gross Clinic

View this art on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gross_Clinic

Art Robbers > #12

Art Robbers

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