John Patch Surgeon painting

I think that this painting of a surgeon is very graceful and beautiful.

especially for its time i am glad to see that the museum was not just filled with court paintings but rather it showed the many progressive artists of the time who studied the human form excelently.

I really like the lighting of this painting and how the spots on his clothes are revealed in the light. The most illuminated piece on this painting is the human arm it is bright with the surgeons hands leading the eye towards it. Whereas the surgeon himself is almost fading into the shadows behind him.

Even with this being said I didn't even notice the arm to begin with which I think shows how well the painter subtly makes the surgeon the main focus of the painting.

I think this shows that the artist had a respect for the surgeon he looks modest yet proud. This painting is an omage to the surgeons achievements and knowledge in his field and I love it.