Group asks Maryland attorney general to block sale by museum
Posted October 15, 2020 12:04 pm.
Last Updated October 15, 2020 12:18 pm.
BALTIMORE — A group of art lovers wants Maryland officials to block the Baltimore Museum of Art’s proposed sale of three artworks, among them Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.”
A letter was sent Wednesday night to Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith, The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday. The letter asks them to halt the planned planned private sale of the Warhol painting as well as the Oct. 28 auction of Clyfford Still’s “1957-G” and Brice Marden’s “3.”
The group’s letter also asks Frosh to launch an investigation into alleged improprieties targeting the museum’s decision to sell the three items.
“There were irregularities and potential conflicts of interest in the sales agreement with Sotheby’s and the process by which staff approved the deaccessioning,” the letter says, adding that the Warhol, in particular, “is likely being sold, or already has been sold, at a bargain-basement price.”
The letter is a response to the Oct. 1 vote by the museum’s board of trustees to sell the three works to fund diversity initiatives, including staff salary increases. Museum director Christopher Bedford said the three works were expected to bring approximately $65 million.
The Associated Press
