Open Letter from the National Gallery of Canada
On the left is "Memories of Childhood," 1924
oil on canvas, 29" x 34" (collection of the National Gallery of Canada, gift of an anonymous donor, 1970, accession number 16623). On the right is "The Eiffel Tower," 1929, oil on canvas, 39" x 32" (collection of the National Gallery of Canada, purchased 1956, accession number 6434).
The National Gallery of Canada’s interest in purchasing Jacques-Louis David’s Saint Jerome Hearing the Trumpet of the Last Judgment, and the upcoming sale of a work from the national collection by Marc Chagall, have generated an unusually lively public debate. The gallery has followed the discourse with care and has heard the passion and interest behind the many comments and letters we have received.
We wish to reassure Canadians, and especially Quebecers, that the National Gallery of Canada’s bid to acquire David’s Saint Jerome is in no way intended to pre-empt efforts by museums in Quebec to purchase the work. Nor are we engaged in a bidding struggle as the picture is being offered by the owner at a fixed and fair price. The work has a historical connection to Quebec and the Gallery would be pleased if a successful funding strategy can support Quebecers’ wish to assume ownership. We will await the outcome of those efforts before taking any further steps to acquire the picture, in keeping with our commitment to serve the national interest and to preserve this magnificent work of art for Canada.
Our avid interest in it notwithstanding, were we to ultimately purchase the painting, it need not be on exclusive permanent display at the National Gallery of Canada. We would welcome developing a long-term loan agreement with museums in Quebec. Indeed, we have a long history of such arrangements.
It should be noted that the National Gallery had been in regular and confidential discussions with representatives of the owner for some time. We were led to believe that, although more than a year had elapsed since the painting was offered for sale, a Quebec institutional buyer seemed unlikely. It was at this time that we also learned that Saint Jerome was being offered to foreign institutions. We made it clear to the owner that we would make every effort to keep the picture in Canada and they agreed to grant us more time to raise the funds. When it comes to the sensitive matter of art acquisitions, discretion is a necessary standard practice. Our actions were never intended to give ourselves an advantage over Quebec museums, but rather to protect a major work with significance for Canada from leaving the country.
The Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Canada has reviewed its decision concerning Marc Chagall’s The Eiffel Tower and will proceed with its sale at auction on May 15. This decision was very carefully considered. We followed proper procedures and have respected the ethical standards of the field. While disposition practices vary among large museums, they are not uncommon in North America as they can yield important benefits to the building of stronger and more useful art collections.
The proceeds from the sale of Marc Chagall’s The Eiffel Tower will be used for three important purposes: supporting the possible acquisition of David’s Saint Jerome, establishing a financial safety net to acquire works at risk of leaving the country, and strengthening the Gallery’s ability to acquire major works of art, either alone or in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada Foundation.
We wish to thank everyone who has contacted us over the last few days with enquiries and feedback regarding these matters. We are encouraged and grateful when Canadians take an active interest in art and in their National Gallery.
Sincerely,
Françoise Lyon, Chair Board of Trustees, National Gallery of Canada
Marc Mayer, Director and CEO, National Gallery of Canada
Source: National Gallery of Canada - April 23, 2018
