I have recently had a painting that I own identified as an Egon Schiele 1912 oil painting. The frame appears to be a Viennese secessionist frame designed by Josef Hoffmann that has previously only been known to exist as a sketch. It is quite valuable. I do not intend on passing it down in my family as it was given to me by a friend who has long since passed away, and who had no other living relatives. I could put this onto the open auction market, as this man was a close friend and contemporary of Gustav Klimt whose painting of Adele Bloch Bauer sold for a record shattering $135 million, and make a handsome profit. On the other hand I fear that it could go into private ownership and never see the light of day again. I enjoy having it, but when this hits the papers there will likely be all manner of speculation about it. I am being asked to keep an open mind about letting it go into a traveling exhibition. If it were you, would you just sell it to anyone, or donate it to the world?
2007-01-22 14:17:42 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
You have a great international treasure. It is not necessary that you only have a "sell it and it disappears".or "donate it and receive nothing." If you are well off this "donation" could generate a considerable tax offset. You can and should control to some degree its fate. You can explore the possibility of having a dealer offer it to those institutions which please you personally by their service to the community, or to places whose collections in this area of art would be enhanced by this acquisition. You can also explore the possibility of a long term loan somewhere. It could then be studied by the art scholars and probably receive some restoration, which it likely needs in any case. Almost any firm large enough to handle an item of this magnitude, should be able to advise you fairly, if you pay attention to whats said. You may require legal assistance with this I'm almost certain. I personally would talk to no one without an attorney present. You seem to have a fair bit of knowledge about this object, study, acquire more. I saw the Klimt's in Los Angeles a couple of times, I look forward to a time when I might see your Schiel.
2007-01-22 20:39:48 · answer #1 · answered by colinchief 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would sell it for a profit. Leave it to someone else to decide to share it with the world. Just to remind you, look what happend when the Edvard Munch painting "The Scream" was circulated in a museum. It was stolen and is now unrepairable. One of the most recognizable works of art of that time and now future generations will never be able to see the original painting. I would personally feel better knowing it was in private collection rather than an exhibition where people are tempted to steal. Plus, if you sold it for a tremendous profit, you could donate money to art museums or collect starving artist pieces.
2007-01-22 14:32:18 · answer #2 · answered by allstar_cookie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You really have several options and you should speak to a qualified Schiele dealer in NYC (where a large exhibition of his just took place). You could sell it with the understanding that it will be loaned to a museum. You could possibly loan it yourself and (maybe?) get tax breaks. If the piece is very strong, it should be seen. If it is a weaker painting, even museums will not show it that often, in which case a private collection is better.
2007-01-22 14:52:18 · answer #3 · answered by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact museums and sell it directly to them. If they want it bad enough they will find a donor to come up with the money.
Auction it through Christie´s or Sotheby's Then take the money and use it for charity or other philithropic work.
I would first take it to Christie´s or Sotheby's to get it verified as authentic. They will do it for free.
2007-01-22 22:49:59 · answer #4 · answered by D R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sell it and donate the money. I am sooo jealous I love Schiele he is one of my favorite artists. I picked him for a masters piece I had to do.
2007-01-22 14:24:57 · answer #5 · answered by Marge F 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OMG-I love Egon, my avatar is his painting, but I had to crop it, cause it showed too much...for yahoo...anyways...I think you could try to sell it to a gallery. you would still get a good profit, and everyone could see it. If you need the money, you might as well.
2007-01-22 15:00:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you ever want to donate it send me an email I'd be the happy receiver.
2007-01-23 02:17:46 · answer #7 · answered by jacquesh2001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want it, sell it and donate the money. ANYONE finds $ more useful than art.
2007-01-22 14:20:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋