Skip to Main Content

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more.

Open today: 10am-5pm

1931-1934

Suicide in Costume

Franklin Chenault Watkins

American, 1894 - 1972

In 1931, at the age of thirty-seven, Franklin Watkins was suddenly catapulted into the national spotlight when his painting Suicide in Costume won first prize at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition. Conservative critics attacked its morbid subject matter, but for Philadelphia modernists such as the artist's former teachers, Arthur B. Carles and Henry McCarter, the success of this painting vindicated their progressive approach to art making.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]

Franklin Chenault Watkins, Suicide in Costume, 1931-1934 | Philadelphia Museum of Art