The Golden Anatomy Lesson
Artist
Jack Levine
(American, 1915 - 2010)
Date1952
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 42 x 48in. (106.7 x 121.9cm)
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number52.16
Description On View
Not on viewCollections
CopyrightPresumed copyright: the artist or the artist's representative/heir(s).
Label TextJack Levine painted The Golden Anatomy Lesson shortly after he returned to the United States from an extended stay in Europe. A satirist, Levine uses a variety of symbols to illustrate his view of post-World War II American imperialism. He situated the scene in the Pantheon, for example, to associate the activity with that of the Roman Empire. At center he placed then-president Harry S Truman, who wears a golden helmet (based on the figure from a painting that was at one time believed to have been by Rembrandt) and places his hand on the globe. It was Levine's opinion that Truman, his cabinet, and emerging multi-national corporations were carving up the world for their own interests of power and money.
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