100 Years of Eclipse of the Sun
One painting. One community. A century of powerful art.
In 1926, George Grosz (born Germany 1893) painted Eclipse of the Sun, a bold and vibrant critique of power, greed, and corruption. Decades later, Eva Gatling, recognized the importance of this painting, and acquired it for the Museum’s collection.
One hundred years later, its message still resonates.
Join The Heckscher Museum of Art as we celebrate the centennial of this extraordinary masterpiece—and the remarkable story of how Huntington came together to bring it home.
A Masterpiece with a Huntington Story
How did a lost masterpiece find its way to The Heckscher?
George Grosz was a leading figure in Berlin Dada before fleeing Nazi Germany for the United States in 1933. He eventually made his home in Huntington, where he lived and worked from 1947 until shortly before his death in 1959.
Then, nearly a decade after his death, Eclipse of the Sun resurfaced.
In 1967, the long-lost painting was brought to Heckscher Director Eva Gatling for appraisal. She immediately recognized its importance and launched an extraordinary community campaign to acquire it.
More than 200 people contributed to the purchase—including Huntington High School students and New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller.
In 1968, Eclipse of the Sun became the first work purchased for the The Heckscher’s collection.
An internationally important masterpiece became part of Long Island’s cultural heritage because a community came together.
Celebrate the Centennial
Be part of the next chapter.
A century ago, a community came together to save Eclipse of the Sun.
Today, we invite you to celebrate—and help carry its legacy forward.
Huntington High School students present Eva Gatling with a check to help purchase Eclipse of the Sun. The Long-Islander, April 25, 1968.
Visit
Experience Eclipse of the Sun Now and see Grosz’s masterpiece alongside more than 50 works of politically engaged art.
Join
Celebrate 100 years with a special Centennial Membership and enjoy exclusive benefits throughout the anniversary year.
Download a Membership Brochure
Experience
Join us for special programs, events, conversations, and celebrations throughout the centennial year.
Take It Home
Celebrate Grosz and Eclipse of the Sun with special centennial merchandise.
Shop the Centennial Collection
Make an Impact
Your support makes the next century possible. Make a gift to the Centennial Fund and continue the spirit of community that helps support the Museum’s exhibitions, programs, collection, and its future.
Thank you to our generous Centennial supporters and leaders
Co-Chairs:
Mike Durney | Susan Van Scoy | Rozita Shay
Principal Supporters:
Anonymous
Sandra C. Chapin
Lead Supporters:
Richard T. Cunniff, Jr.
Robert and Priscilla Hughes
Andrea B. and Peter D. Klein
Major Supporters:
Hans & Pien Bosch
Mike Durney
Susan Futter
Elizabeth Halpern
Bruce Lev
Mark McAteer
Susan Van Scoy
Bette Schneiderman
Rozita Shay
Significant Supporter:
Fran Roberts
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