The Gross Fallout

Despite the fact that more people voted in Jefferson Alumni Hall this year than went into the same building to see The Gross Clinic, civic and cultural leaders are rallying to keep the painting in the city.

Philadelphians have 39 days now to match the $68 million put up for the painting by the Crystal Bridges Museum (backed by Wal-Mart heirs) and the National Gallery of Art. There’s been mention of a partnership between PAFA and the Art Museum. Meanwhile, Jefferson has faced so much criticism that it asked senior faculty and staff to come up with other ways to spend the money other than fund the expansion of the hospital.

Look, since it sold the painting to Wal-Mart heirs, here’s a suggestion to Jefferson: Just roll-back the price of The Gross Clinic to $50 million-ish, so then maybe a Philadelphia cultural institution could buy it.

Jefferson seeks input on painting’s proceeds [Inquirer]