Discussion: Graphic Depictions

Thomas Eakins' paintings, The Gross Clinic and The Agnew Clinic, are realist depictions of 19th century surgeries. Compare Eakins' image of 19th century surgery with a 21st century media image you have seen of a medical innovation. Explain what you believe is the purpose of these kinds of graphic depictions of medical procedures.

Compare the ways in which men are represented in the two paintings by Eakins to the ways in which women are represented in these paintings.
Compare the depiction of women in these paintings by Thomas Eakins with the representations of women in paintings by Mary Cassatt. Describe how you think the women may have been depicted if Cassatt had painted the surgerie.