The debate was also closely watched within the art world and drew protesters to the steps of the museum. Professional organizations have long held that it is improper for museums to sell art for any reason other than to acquire new works or care for existing ones. “While the negotiated agreement with the Berkshire Museum may satisfy legal standards, it falls far short of ethical standards and best practices for museums,” they wrote. The agreement stipulates that proceeds between $50 million and $55 million will be held in a fund for acquisitions and to support the museum’s collection. The work will ultimately be hung “in a place of prominence within the purchasing museum,” the agreement said, and that institution will consider lending the work to museums in Berkshire County and elsewhere, nationally and internationally.

Source: New York Times February 10, 2018 00:33 UTC