Everhart Museum - Matisse Controversy

Matisse Controversy

In a controversy that aroused national attention in museum circles, in the mainstream press and among certain members of the general public. News articles, such as the New York Times article (see footnote) misstated the purpose for utilizing the proceeds from any sale of art or artifacts of the Everhart. The Matisse painting Pink Shrimps was donated in the 60’s by Adele Levy from her collection. She gave several works to what she characterized as”rural” museums. The intent was to put well known artists in the collections of smaller museums, and to give these museum communities an opportunity to see works otherwise not available to them. Prior to the formation of the Community Board in the early 90’s, the Everhart had a series of directors that lead the museum into dire financial straits. When then curator Bruce Lanning refused an order from the Everhart's Board of Trustees (county judges) directing him to pack up the Matisse to be shipped to Sotheby's where it was to be offered in a public auction, a move that cost him his position at the Everhart. The newly created Community Board felt that, while the ownership of a Matisse gave the museum a limited amount of prestige, the museum would better serve the spirit of Ms. Levy’s gift by creating an endowment from its sale to acquire a wider variety of works and exhibitions. It was an acceptable museum practice to deaccession works not consists with its current collections. With board approval, the Matisse was offered for auction at Sotheby’s but did not make the reserve of one million dollars. Later, a deal was struck with a private buyer for a net amount of $1,000,000 which was placed in a separate endowment fund for acquisitions and exhibitions.