The Hispanic Society Museum and Library in Upper Manhattan has announced the deaccessioning of 45 European Old Master paintings, including notable works from the workshop of El Greco. This decision is aimed at generating funds for collection care and future acquisitions. The paintings, characterized predominantly by religious and aristocratic themes, will be sold in an online auction facilitated by Christie’s, which concludes on October 17, 2023.
Founded in 1904, the Hispanic Society’s mission focuses on advancing the study of Spanish and Portuguese languages, literature, and history. As part of its strategy to “responsibly diversify” its collection, the museum has categorized these works as outside its core mission. The institution has not provided specific details on how the proceeds from the sale will be utilized.
Details of the Auction
Among the collection is a first-edition copy of Don Quixote and a world map dated 1529. The auction features paintings from the Spanish School of the late 16th and 17th centuries, a Hispano-Flemish depiction of Saint Sebastian, and various pieces from the Central Italian School. One of the highlighted artworks, “Saint Dominic in Prayer,” attributed to the workshop of El Greco, is expected to sell for over $150,000, with the current highest bid reaching $160,000.
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has outlined strict guidelines for how accredited museums may utilize funds from deaccessioning. Collection care is an approved use, and the guidelines stipulate that museums may sell items that are redundant, damaged, or of “poor quality.” AAM also indicates that such actions can reflect ongoing financial challenges faced by institutions.
Another significant work in the auction is the “Portrait of Emperor Charles V in an Armchair,” a modern reproduction of the original by Titian. Other notable lots include an undated portrait of Isabella of Portugal created by a follower of Titian, currently bidding at $9,500, a Madonna and child after Luis de Morales, and “El Columpio (The Swing)” by 20th-century Seville painter Clemente Del Camino y Parladé.
Viewing and Future Plans
The artworks will remain on display at Christie’s headquarters in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center until October 15, 2023. The sale represents a strategic move by the Hispanic Society to enhance its collection while addressing the pressing needs of its current holdings.
As the auction approaches, the art community and potential buyers will keenly watch how these historic pieces are received on the market. The outcomes may not only influence the financial stability of the museum but also reflect broader trends in museum curation and collection management.
