Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.P.21 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Francis Xavier Dercum |
Artist |
Gibbs, George |
Date |
1934 |
Description |
Half-length figure seated in armchair, head and body leaning forward with his right hand in his lap and his left arm propped on the armchair. Figure has a rosy complexion, a bald head with white hair at back, a white moustache and blue eyes. He wears a dull blue suit and dull blue with white piping waist coat, a white button down shirt, and a red tie. |
Label |
Francis Xavier Dercum was a Philadelphia-born neurologist. Receiving his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1877, he focused his research on nervous diseases. In 1884, he was one of the first researchers to use motion pictures to study patients with nervous system disorders. Dercum practiced and taught at the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Medical College, and many other institutions in the area. He served as president of the APS from 1927 to 1931, when he died while presiding over an APS meeting, seated in Benjamin Franklin’s library chair (F12). In honor of his memory, no APS president has since sat in the chair. This painting, based on a photograph, was executed by George Gibbs, a Philadelphia painter and illustrator, who authored and illustrated many novels and historical tales. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-46.125 W-38.313 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century painting scientist medicine physician APS President |