DC Art World Reacts to Phillips Collection Deaccessioning
The Washington D.C. art scene is buzzing following the recent announcement from The Phillips Collection regarding the sale of significant artworks. Scheduled for auction at Sotheby’s New York on November 20, pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Arthur Dove, and Georges Seurat are set to hit the market, a move that has ignited considerable local controversy.
The Phillips Collection’s Controversial Sale
Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, The Phillips Collection plans to auction several major works, aiming to reallocate proceeds towards commissions from living artists. This decision, however, has drawn strong opposition from long-time supporters and museum members who argue it undermines the founding vision of Duncan and Marjorie Phillips.
The artworks involved are highly valued pieces:
| Artist | Artwork Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia O’Keeffe | Painting | $6 million to $8 million |
| Georges Seurat | Drawing | $3 million to $5 million |
| Arthur Dove | Painting | $1.2 million to $1.8 million |
Chief curator emerita Eliza Rathbone explicitly criticized the deaccessioning, emphasizing that such carefully selected works are central to the museum’s identity. Following 18 months of debate, a new agreement has been reached. While the current sales will proceed, stricter limitations will be imposed on future deaccessioning, protecting all works listed in the 1985 “Summary Catalogue” from sale, except under special circumstances. This expands protection beyond the previously limited 1999 catalogue.
Global Art & Heritage: Vatican’s Artifact Return
Beyond local headlines, the art world is observing significant steps in cultural heritage restitution. The Vatican has returned 62 artifacts from its Anima Mundi ethnographic collection to Indigenous peoples in Canada. This move, including items like an Inuit kayak, is a crucial step in the Catholic Church’s efforts to address its historical impact on Indigenous cultures.
The items, originally housed in the Vatican for nearly a century after a 1925 exhibition, are set to arrive in Montreal on December 6 before being transferred to the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa. Museum officials will coordinate their reunification with originating communities. The return reignites discussions on the ethics of cultural acquisition during colonial eras, challenging the Vatican’s assertion that the artifacts were mere “gifts” given the historical power imbalances.
What Else is Shaping the Art World?
Museum Expansions and Market Predictions
The Portland Art Museum (PAM) unveils its $116 million Mark Rothko Pavilion expansion on November 20, showcasing significant institutional investment. Separately, New York auction houses are poised to “predict the market,” with the Times highlighting six key pieces, a trend closely watched by collectors and institutions like The Phillips Collection.
High Art, Elevated Experiences
Italy introduces the Frattini Bivouac, a unique cultural site over 7,500 feet high, accessible only by a long hike. This unstaffed mountain shelter, part of a project to embed culture in nature, offers elemental experiences as its sole “exhibit.”
FAQs About the Latest Art News
- What is deaccessioning?
Deaccessioning is the process by which a museum formally removes an object from its collection, often for sale, exchange, or disposal. It’s a highly scrutinized practice, especially when art is sold to fund operational costs or new acquisitions. - Why is The Phillips Collection selling these specific artworks?
Director Jonathan Binstock states the proceeds will primarily support commissions from living artists, aligning with a desire to focus on contemporary art and engage with current artistic practices. - How does the new policy affect future sales at The Phillips Collection?
The new agreement imposes tighter restrictions, protecting all works in the comprehensive 1985 “Summary Catalogue” from deaccessioning, except under special circumstances. This offers greater protection than the previous policy, which only covered works from the 1999 catalogue. - What is the significance of the Vatican returning Indigenous artifacts?
This act is a significant step in reconciliation, acknowledging the historical role of the Catholic Church in suppressing Indigenous cultures. It contributes to a broader global dialogue about the restitution of cultural heritage to originating communities.
As The Phillips Collection navigates its path forward and the art world grapples with complex ethical questions, engaging with these stories helps Washington D.C. locals understand the evolving landscape of cultural institutions and the profound impact of art on our shared heritage.
DC Phillips Art Sale Ignites Local Outcry
