What was the primary criticism of Eakins' painting 'The Gross Clinic'?

The primary criticism of Eakins' painting 'The Gross Clinic' centers around its controversial subject matter. The painting depicts a surgical operation taking place in a teaching hospital, showcasing a graphic and unflinching representation of surgery and medical education. At the time of its unveiling, this portrayal was considered shocking and overly realistic for public viewing, which sparked debates about the appropriateness of such imagery in art. The intense focus on the human body and the depiction of a bloodied scene challenged social norms and created discomfort among certain audiences, leading to significant criticism despite its artistic merit. While there were other aspects of the painting that could be discussed, such as its details and color choices, it was primarily the subject matter that incited the most discussion and contention during its initial reception.