Previous Posts: February 2021
MET Considering Sale of Art (ctd.)
February 10 2021
Picture: MET
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Art Newspaper have published a piece on the growing 'rumbles' caused by the MET's suggestion that it is looking towards deaccessioning works of art to keep the institution afloat.
Former director Thomas P. Campbell has been quoted as saying:
I fear that this is a slippery path... Deaccessioning will be like crack cocaine to the addict—a rapid hit, that becomes a dependency. I fear that the consequences could be highly destructive to the art museum industry.
The article quotes a growing list of other museum professionals and former directors from institutions in the US who have been making public statements on the sales.
In addition to this, a petition has begun in opposition to any sales, claiming "The Met's board is responsible for the institution. It is chock-full of billionaires."
The National Trust Receives £3m Restoration Grant from US
February 10 2021
Picture: The National Trust
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The National Trust has received a £3m grant from the US Royal Oak Charity in order support conservation projects. This is set to include the conservation of a portrait of Sir John Maitland by Adrian Vanson, which seems to have been painted on top of a portrait of Mary Queen of Scots. This portrait from Ham House is currently undergoing treatment in the trust's conservation studios at Knole (pictured). Other works set to benefit from the money include a set of sixteenth century chairs at Petworth and a Samurai Armour from Snowshill Manor.
Was Rembrandt Linked to the Slave Trade?
February 10 2021
Picture: The Guardian
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The arts columnist Jonathan Jones of the Guardian has asked the above question in his recent review on the Rijksmuseum's new exhibition Slavery.
Jones describes the shock inclusion of Rembrandt's 1634 full length portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit (pictured):
But there’s a deeply troubling side to this couple’s wealth – and Rembrandt may have wanted us to register that there was something amiss. Soolmans was heir to one of Amsterdam’s biggest sugar refineries, and the production of sugar at its origin point depended on slaves.
...
The Rijksmuseum is stuffed with the artistic riches of the 17th-century Netherlands. For it to draw attention to the links between art, wealth and inhumanity in that age is a bold move. But it is time “to come clean”, Valika Smeulders, the museum’s head of history, told me – in order to “connect the collection to that history”. Parallel to the show, the Rijksmuseum has added labels to 80 objects in its collections that have links to slavery. This goes way beyond culture war cliches, though. In fact, Smeulders doesn’t see it that way at all. Far from a denunciation of the past, she argues, revealing this side of Dutch art can only make it richer.
He ends the piece by suggesting that the museum should have sought a balance by including the Dutch master's Portrait of Two African Men in the Mauritshuis, a point with which I couldn't agree more.
Update - A reader has sent in the following comment:
A little note regarding the article on the forthcoming slavery exhibition at the Rijks. I totally agree on including the 'two african men' in the exhibition, it would be such a nice and important nuance. However, unfortunately, this isn't possible: the picture is part of the Bredius bequest at the Mauritshuis, and can therefor never leave the museum. A construction comparable with the position of the pictures Henry Clay Frick aquired at the Frick. If only this was lifted, some wonderful pictures (some in storage) could complement ensembles and exhibitions elsewhere in the country....
Leonardo's Last Supper to Receive New Lighting
February 9 2021
Picture: finestresullarte.info
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
News from Italy that Leonardo's Last Supper will be receiving a new lighting system this autumn. The Museo Cenacolo Vinciano in Milan has announced that the new system will be preceded by inspections by conservators of the fragile surviving fresco. High resolution scans of the masterpiece will also be undertaken as part of this conservation campaign.
The Museum recently reopened to the public with a strict system of 12 visitors per quarter of an hour.
The Frans Hals Museum is Hiring!
February 9 2021
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem are looking to hire a 'Curator for Old Masters'.
You'll have to preferably have a doctorate, proven research skills and published works, four years museum experience and Dutch language skills of course.
The salary on offer is €4,831 gross (which I assume might be per month (?)) for this 32 hour per week role. Applications must be in by 21st February 2021.
Good luck if you're applying!
Prague Rembrandt Exhibition Extended till March
February 9 2021
Picture: National Gallery Prague
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
For the lucky inhabitants of Central Europe, the National Gallery Prague's current exhibition Rembrandt: Portrait of a Man has been extended to 21st March 2021.
As the exhibition blurb explains:
The exhibition’s central work is the portrait Scholar in His Study from the collections of the National Gallery Prague, which Rembrandt painted in 1634, a very successful time in his professional and private life. The portrait captures not only the physical appearance of an unknown elderly man, but also his dramatic spiritual life; the man’s facial expression tells a rich story elevating the painting to a level of historical significance. Yet this rare work conceals more questions than answers. In several interconnected parts, the exhibition project seeks to explore the theme of cognition and learning, contemplation and intimacy from various angles – from the artist’s beginnings and early works in this theme’s context to his increasing popularity in Amsterdam in the 1630s, relevant works by his students and contemporaries and the modern understanding of Rembrandt’s oeuvre.
Reopen Our Museums, say the French!
February 8 2021
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
There has been growing pressure on the French Government from cultural institutions and art lovers to reopen museums in France.
The recent reopening of museums in Italy and Spain have been cited by many in the country as a prime example of where France should follow, calling the most recent lockdown a 'cultural and learning winter'. The administrators of the Louvre too have been keen to point out that everything is ready to let the public back in. In the most recent intervention, twelve directors from public theatres have called for their reopening too.
Update - In a recent article Fabrice Bousteu, editor-in-chief of Beaux-Arts Magazine has said "The sanitary conditions in a museum are much better than in a department store or in public transport ", because " you do not touch anyone " and " there are extremely controlled gauges."
Free Lecture on Portland Collection Miniatures
February 8 2021
Picture: Harley Gallery
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Harley Gallery are hosting a free lecture by Dr Karen Hearn on miniatures by Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver from The Portland Collection. Many readers will know of Dr Hearn's work on early modern portraiture, yet, she is also chair of the Harley Foundation Curatorial Advisory Group.
The lecture will be broadcast via Zoom on 26th February 2021 at 12pm (GMT). It's free to attend although registration is required.
Consignor Family Member Sues Over Rembrandt Sleeper
February 8 2021
Picture: Leiden Collection
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Art Newspaper have published an intriguing story regarding a law suit surrounding a Rembrandt Sleeper that made $870,000 over its $800 estimate in 2015.
Jay Rappoport, a member of the family who consigned the painting to auction in 2015, accuses his own relatives and the provincial auction house who sold the work of deception, fraud and conspiracy to deceive him. Rappoport, whose grandfather bought the painting prior to the 1920s, claims his aunt consigned the work to auction after the death of his grandmother without consulting him or gaining his permission as 'heir'.
The claimant is also suing the painting's new owner Thomas Kaplan who acquired the picture for $4m for the Leiden Collection. However, the article also draws attention to Rappoport's previous lawsuit against Steven Spielberg and Paramount pictures for 'stealing his ideas'. Curious.
Sotheby's Reveal another Italian Renaissance Portrait!
February 7 2021
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Sotheby's have just announced on Instagram that they'll be selling another very fine Italian Renaissance Portrait later this year. Piero del Pollaiuolo's (c.1443-1496) Portrait of a Youth (pictured) is the latest Italian masterpiece to come up for sale at the auction house. Indeed, their Instagram Post explains that the portrait had been in the same collection as their most recent $80m Botticelli. Both pictures had been in the collection of the scientist, inventory and art collector Thomas Ralph Merton (d.1969)
The portrait will be sold in London on 25th March 2021. No estimate has been released yet.
More news when it arrives!
Update - A reader on Twitter (@everardbone) has pointed out the following document, which explains the painting has already been cleared for export.
The document also points out to the fact the picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1960, however has been unseen in a private collection for several decades now. Questions concerning the painting's condition have also been highlighted.
It suggests the guide price will be £5,000,000.
Update 2 - A reader has been in touch with this link to the painting's entry in the Zeri database. The work was last sold at Christie's in 1985 where it was previously given to Cosimo Rosselli.
Isn't it interesting that his fringe has changed shape over time?
Update 3 - The painting will carry an estimate of £4m - £6m. Here's a full article by artnews.com.
Sixteenth Century Doctor from Tatton Park
February 7 2021
Video: BBC
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
I'm sure Bendor would want me to draw attention to the next episode of Britain's Lost Masterpieces which airs tomorrow (8th February 2021) on BBC4 at 9pm (GMT). In this segment conservator Simon Gillespie and Bendor have a closer look at a painting from Tatton Park, a very impressive house with a fine collection looked after by the National Trust in Cheshire.
Update - A reader has written in with the following lines:
Having watched the first two programmes in Bendy's new series of Britain's Lost Masterpieces, I feel moved to contact AHN to say that they are superb. It is so good to have some really interesting, educational and entertaning art history on television for a change. Well done Bendy and well done BBC4 - please keep it up!
Gainsborough Engravings Reattributed
February 7 2021
Picture: The Sunday Telegraph
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Sunday Telegraph has published a story regarding the reattribution of several engravings which had been thought to be the work of Thomas Gainsborough. Scholar Susan Sloman has said that there are in fact the work of his nephew Gainsborough Dupont. The reasons for this are the direction of the shading, which Thomas Gainsborough would have reversed to imitate his drawings in this mirrored print format.
MET Considering Sale of Art to Plug Deficit
February 7 2021
Picture: MET
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
A reader has drawn my attention to an article in The New York Times, which explains that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is the latest cultural institution to consider selling works from its collection to plug its $150m deficit.
It seems that the relaxation of rules from the Association of Museum Directors has encouraged the institution to seek alternative ways of raising capital during these uncertain times. The museum is already conducting talks with its curators and auction houses in drawing up a plan.
The MET's directory Max Hollein is quoted as saying:
This is the time when we need to keep our options open. None of us have a full perspective on how the pandemic will play out. It would be inappropriate for us not to consider it, when we’re still in this foggy situation.
Ian Alteveer, the curator of Modern and Contemporary Art is also quoted:
There is some urgency in this. We’re facing a huge budget deficit. We’ve tried for years to get more robust funding for conservation, one of the prime things related to collections care.
(...)
Every museum in the U.S. is having these conversations. ‘Do we want to use this window? What would it mean for the institution? What would it mean for the collection? For us not to discuss this now would be irresponsible.
The National Gallery's Most Popular Online Paintings?
February 6 2021
Picture: The National Gallery
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Times has reported on news that the National Gallery in London has been experiencing an upsurge in online searches for artworks on its website.
As their story explains:
Lawrence Chiles, the National Gallery’s head of digital services, said that visitor numbers for its virtual galleries had increased by 473 per cent. “It has opened up the acceptance of viewing culture in this way. There may have been a reluctance before but people are missing their artworks,” he said.
Chiles said that all museums were considering how to make money from digital content, including via behind-the-scenes films and special access to curators online. “Everyone is really on the cusp of using the technology out there to be able to do things that will engage people in different ways,” he said.
And what are the most popular paintings, I hear you ask? Well, you can probably guess. Hans Holbein's Ambassadors and Jan van Eyck's The Arnolfini Marriage (pictured) came out on top, with Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Turner's The Fighting Temeraire following closely behind.
__________
On a related note, I'm yet to be convinced that monetizing digital content is a particularly good and sustainable idea, even if it might yield a small income. The museums and cultural organisations that provide the best digital content are all free and accessible on platforms like YouTube.
If successful 'YouTubers' can teach us anything, it's that is likely that online content will eventually replace television documentaries and the like. The world of art history is waiting for a pioneer in this field, I think.
Withdrawn Sotheby's Rembrandt Finds Private Buyer
February 6 2021
Picture: Sotheby's
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Several reports have been published explaining that Sotheby's Rembrandt of Abraham and the Angels has found a private buyer. The picture was withdrawn from the New York Old Masters sale but has since found a buyer within its original $20m - $30m dollar estimate.
It's quite possible that the auction house couldn't find enough interested parties before the live auction. There's nothing more deflating than a high value picture being bought in. However, this good news does help alleviate any worries in the top end of the old masters market.
Austrian Monastery Missing 21 Works
February 5 2021
Picture: artnet.com
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
A Benedictine Abbey in Kremsmünster, Austria, are trying to locate 21 artworks that have gone missing from their collection. The primary suspect according to authorities is a former priest, who was custodian of the collection between 1997 - 2017. Several paintings and other works have been retrieved from local dealers and private collectors, however 21 works still remain unaccounted for.
Stolen Pompei Fragment Returned to Police by Post
February 5 2021
Picture: ansa.it
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
The Italian Press have reported on a ancient stolen fragment from Pompei that was recently returned to Police by post. The anonymous note which accompanied the box says, "Fifty years ago I removed this fragment from a building. I'm ashamed of it and I return it to the owner."
The Police Superintendent Massimo Osanna gave the following statement, "Sometimes they come back. By mail, almost weekly...". The archaeological sites of Pompei have 400 security cameras in modern times to help deal with such problems.
Conservation Studio Opens in Canova's Kitchen
February 5 2021
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
A temporary conservation studio has opened in Canova's old kitchens at the Casa Canova in Possagno. The studio will be busy making detailed studies of the artist's works in time for next year's 200th Anniversary of the sculptor's death. The first artwork that will be investigated is the artist's 1799 self-portrait (pictured), completed when the sculptor had turned to painting.
MET Acquires more Works by Painter / Nun Orsola Maddalena Caccia
February 5 2021
Picture: MET
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Artnet have published an article on news that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York have acquired three more paintings by the painter and nun Orsola Maddalena Caccia (1596-1676). The paintings came from the collection of the late hedge-fund manager Errol M Rudman. This means the MET now holds the largest collection of paintings by the artist outside of Italy.
Pre-Raphaelites Drawings and Watercolours at the Ashmolean
February 5 2021
Picture: Ashmolean
Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:
Yesterday was supposed to be the opening of the Ashmolean Museum's most recent exhibition Pre-Raphaelite Drawings and Watercolours.
Although lockdown means that the museum won't be opening any time soon, there are several talks and lectures you can book onto in the upcoming weeks. Equally, their exhibition catalogue is already available for order too.
The exact dates of the exhibition are yet to be confirmed, but it seems likely that they'll be extended due to the pandemic.
