The Hispanic Society Museum and Library in Upper Manhattan is deaccessioning a total of 45 European Old Master works, including a painting from the workshop of the renowned artist El Greco. This move aims to raise funds for collection care and new acquisitions. The online auction, conducted in partnership with Christie’s, will close on October 17, 2023.
Founded in 1904, the Hispanic Society was established to “advance the study of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, literature, and history.” The artworks being sold predominantly feature religious and aristocratic themes, which have been identified as outside the museum’s core mission. According to a press release, this initiative reflects the institution’s goal to “responsibly diversify” its collection.
The museum has not provided additional details regarding the allocation of proceeds from the sale. Among its notable holdings are a first-edition copy of Don Quixote and a world map dated 1529. The museum also actively engages with its local community in Washington Heights, a neighborhood recognized as a “Dominican Historic District” on the National Register of Historic Places.
Featured Works and Auction Details
The auction features various significant pieces, including paintings from the late-16th and 17th centuries. One highlighted work is “Saint Dominic in Prayer,” attributed to the workshop of El Greco, which is expected to sell for over $150,000. The current highest bid stands at $160,000.
Additionally, another notable piece in the auction is the “Portrait of Emperor Charles V in an Armchair,” a modern reproduction of Titian’s original work. Other lots include an undated portrait of Isabella of Portugal, created by a follower of Titian, which is currently bidding at $9,500, a Madonna and child after Luis de Morales, and Clemente Del Camino y Parladé’s 20th-century painting, “El Columpio (The Swing)”.
The works will remain on view at Christie’s headquarters in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, until October 15, 2023.
Guidelines and Community Impact
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has established strict guidelines for how accredited museums can utilize deaccessioning funds. Collection care is among the approved uses of such funds. According to AAM, museums may sell items when they are found to be redundant, damaged, or of “poor quality.” The practice of deaccessioning can sometimes indicate that an institution has faced inadequate support over the years.
The Hispanic Society’s decision to sell these artworks reflects a broader trend in the museum sector, where institutions are reassessing their collections to better align with their missions and community needs. As the museum moves forward, it remains committed to its foundational goal of promoting the rich heritage of Spanish and Portuguese culture while also ensuring the sustainability of its collection for future generations.