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...or maybe not. Detroit Institute of Arts Backs Off Van Gogh Deaccessioning

Posted by Nicholas O'Donnell on May 14, 2015 at 9:58 AM

The Detroit News ran a story today (in which I'm quoted) about the proposed deaccession of an early Van Gogh from the Detroit Institute of Arts, a topic we've covered recently. Somewhat surprisingly, after the museum made its case for the sale of the painting, those plans have apparently changed. From today's article by Laura Berman concerning director Graham W.J. Beal's statements about the museum's plans:

Beal made the situation more confusing in a telephone interview with The Detroit News on Wednesday. He said he had decided not to sell the Van Gogh, but to leave the resumption of sales to his successor. Beal is retiring from the museum June 30.

“Were I not leaving, we would be getting back into gear with deaccessioning,” Beal said. Why was the plan to sell the Van Gogh being reported? “I had been talking to Sotheby’s and I think word leaked out,” Beal said. “When the bankruptcy was over, I talked to Sotheby’s and decided that now isn’t the time to do it.”

But Beal had not publicly denied readying the Van Gogh for sale. And DIA spokeswoman Pamela Marcil acknowledged the possibility of offering it earlier Wednesday. Would Beal sell the painting if someone made him an offer? “It would have to be above the auction house estimated sale value,” he said.

So much for all that, apparently.

Topics: Deaccession, Graham W. J. Beal, Laura Berman, Pamela Marcil, Van Gogh, Detroit Institute of Arts, Museums, Detroit Bankruptcy

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The Art Law Report provides timely updates and commentary on legal issues in the museum and visual arts communities. It is authored by Nicholas M. O'Donnell, partner in our Art & Museum Law Practice.

The material on this site is for general information only and is not legal advice. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage which may result from reliance on it. Always consult a qualified lawyer about a specific legal problem.

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