Sell Out?

Facets Development Coordinator Lauren Whalen looks at The Art of the Steal.


What happens when a renegade M.D. with millions to play with develops a taste for art? And not just any art, but post-Impressionist works that 1920’s art critics deem “country” and “cheap.” When he scorns Philadelphia high society by restricting access to this art to teachers, students and commoners outside the city? What happens when he dies, and his carefully constructed will is circumvented in the name of commerce? Is it theft, or modern common sense?

This conundrum—and all the catfights, gossip and politics in between—is explored in the fascinating documentary The Art of the Steal. Dr. Albert Barnes exhibited his impressive collection including 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, and 46 Picassos, in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, running The Barnes Foundation as a teaching institution where the working class was welcome and the ruling class was not. In his will, Barnes specified that under no circumstances was the art to be loaned, sold or moved. Fast-forward to 2007, where it’s announced that The Barnes Foundation—now worth up to $35 billion--will be relocated to downtown Philadelphia: a direct violation of Dr. Barnes’ wishes. So how did the powers that be get away with it?

Director Don Argott explores the gladhanding, secrecy and blatant lies that led up to this transaction, while interviewing The Barnes Foundation’s remaining alumna who remember the man himself and vehemently protest these changes. As someone who does fundraising for a living, this was extra fascinating to watch: arts organizations depend on the generosity of foundations, government, corporate and individual support. But what if their agenda and yours are as vastly different as urban Philly and folksy Lower Merion? And what if those behind the scenes are conspiring to compromise the original intent of the organization, without notifying the ones to whom the art means the most? As one Barnes disciple notes, “Art shouldn’t be separate from life. Art is life.” And therein lies the rub: sure, the Philadelphia location will attract more visitors, and Dr. Barnes has been dead for almost 60 years. However, The Art of the Steal paints the move as a beautiful tragedy—and I’m inclined to agree.

The Art of the Steal is currently playing at Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St., Chicago).


Find more of Lauren's writing at The Unprofessional Critic.