Name/Title
Agnew scalpelDescription
In 1889 the University of Pennsylvania commissioned artist Thomas Eakins to commemorate the retirement of surgeon David Hayes Agnew. This is the scalpel Dr. Agnew was holding for his portrait in performance of a partial mastectomy. “The Agnew Clinic" painting is one of the most important in the history of medicine.
The photograph is the one used by Eakins in preparation for his painting.
The provenance is a letter written by Thomas Eakins protégé, sculptor Samuel Murray.Condition
Overall Condition
Very GoodDate Examined
Jul 5, 2026Create Date
July 5, 2026Update Date
September 22, 2026
