The Art of the Steal (2009): Barnes Foundation Documentary

The Art of the Steal (2009)

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

     Directed by Don Argott, The Art of the Steal (2009) looked at the history of the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA and it's controversial move to Philadelphia. The foundation was founded by Dr. Albert Barnes in 1922, who had amassed the world's greatest collection of Modern Art worth an estimated $25 Billion in today's money. The unparalleled Barnes Collection consists of 181 works by Renoir, 69 works by Cezanne, 59 works by Matisse, 46 works by Picasso, 21 by Soutine, 18 by Rousseau, 16 by Modigliani, 11 by Degas, 7 by Van Gogh, 6 by Seurat as well as Old Master works by El Greco, Reubens and others. The documentary presents it's case that the Barnes Foundation was mismanaged and driven to finical ruin in the decades after Dr. Barnes' death… and that corrupt politicians and organizations sought to move the collection (against Dr. Barnes' will) for personal benefit and spite. At the time of the making of this documentary, a final decision had not been made. Sadly, in 2012, the Barnes Collection was relocated despite adamant protest. Past directors, trustees, teachers, politicians and journalists provide insightful commentary in this fascinating film about one of America's greatest and most unique private collections.

Dr. Albert Barnes

The Joy of Life, by Henri Matisse

The Barnes Foundation- original building

Dr. Albert Barnes

The Card Players, by Paul Cezanne

The Barnes Foundation- original building

The Models, by Georges Seurat

The Barnes Foundation- original building

Protesting the Barnes Collection move

Protesting the Barnes Collection move

Dr. Albert Barnes

"The Art of the Steal"- movie trailer

Research: Worcester Art Museum "Then and Now" by Travis Simpkins. Update #21

     -The first photo, taken in 1913, shows the third floor West Gallery of the Worcester Art Museum during a special exhibition. Joseph De Camp's "Sally", painted six years earlier in 1907, can be seen just to the left of center. Today, this space houses the Art Since the Mid-20th Century collection.
     -The second "Then and Now" composition, with photos taken a decade apart, contrasts the top landing of the old and new Lancaster Terraces. The old terrace had trees planted in it, which presented logistical problems as they grew, but the foliage did provide abundant shade and served to obscure some of the more unsightly building elements. The door seen suspended in the arch on the side of the building was once the fire escape for the old auditorium. It was walled up when the space was converted to the Contemporary Gallery. Today, the new terrace is deforested and the arch now displays an oversized likeness of "Sally."

     -The sketch depicts the 1st Century A.D. marble "Cinerary Urn of Nicanor", on display in the Roman Gallery.

     -My friend, and fellow artist, Terri Priest has been very helpful in offering her feedback and insights regarding these WAM projects. Her affiliation with WAM goes back several decades. A quick collections search shows that the Worcester Art Museum owns at least a half-dozen of her abstract works from the 1960's - 1980's. Still prolific at 86, she is one of the most creative and talented people I know. I am particularly fond of her most recent, Vermeer inspired works.

3rd Floor (East Gallery). Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Lancaster Terrace. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Urn of Nicanor. Worcester Art Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Terri Priest by Travis Simpkins. Worcester Art Museum

Gardner Museum Sketch: "Woman in Profile", 1475. by Travis Simpkins

Woman in Profile, 1475. Gardner Museum. by Travis Simpkins

Sketch of a Renaissance 

"Woman in Profile" 

1475 

Sculpted by Mino da Fiesole 

Collection of the 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 

by Travis Simpkins

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Sketches by Travis Simpkins