Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Remote NY State Museum to Sell Thomas Cole Masterwork

March 18, 2013 by Marion Maneker

Robin Pogrebin has the details of another museum where the art has become more valuable than the resources available for its upkeep:

Cole’s “Portage Falls on the Genesee”held pride of place as the house was turned over to Seward’s son, then his grandson and ultimately became the Seward House Historic Museum in 1951.

Thomasa Cole, Portage Falls on the Genesee

But early one morning last month movers escorted by the police pulled up to the house, removed the Cole landscape, which measures roughly 7 by 5 feet, from the drawing room and hauled it away. The Fred L. Emerson Foundation, which owns the artwork and once oversaw the museum, says the canvas — painted in 1839 and appraised five years ago at $18 million — is too valuable to be left in an institution that does not have the resources to protect it fully. The foundation plans to sell the painting at Christie’s, share the proceeds with the museum and hang a copy in its place.

Painting’s Removal Stirs Outcry (NYTimes)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • The Art JitneyThe Art Jitney
  • Russian Sales Find a Base, Can They Build Back?Russian Sales Find a Base, Can They Build Back?
  • Christie’s First Open BreakoutsChristie’s First Open Breakouts
  • AB Miami Buses Won't RollAB Miami Buses Won't Roll
  • Miami's Brasil-ArtBasel ConnectionMiami's Brasil-ArtBasel Connection
  • Spoiler Alert: The Art Of Our Time Won’t Hold Its ValueSpoiler Alert: The Art Of Our Time Won’t Hold Its Value

Filed Under: Museums

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...