Further to Jen's post in November - by far The Attic's most popular blog post EVAR!!! - the BBC reports that £50m funds have been secured to purchase Titian's 'Diana and Acteon' for the nation.
Great more money in the pockets of the aristocrats so the public can go and look at IMO a not very good painting... especially at the time of recession I think this is a gross abuse of public money. I am sure that it was committed long before the banks collapsed but would the National Gallery et al offer to flog a few paintings to make some money for poor bankrupt Britain?
Personally I'm not really into this sort of art, but I still think it's better that remains to be seen by all, than closeted away in a Russian oligarch's bank vault. I'm wondering why the Duke of Sutherland chose to sell the painting in the first place? Just because one has a title, doesn't mean one has mega-bucks. (Though, in this case, I really have no idea - I suppose, if I could be bothered, I could find out...) Maybe he had hideous death duties to pay? Anyway, I note that the Art Fund has contributed £1 million towards the fund. As a member of that august organisation I have to say I am perfectly comfortable in the knowledge that my small contribution has gone some way towards purchasing the painting. Anyway, that's my two penneth worth.
(If the government wants to save some money they could ban alcohol and smoking outright, and tax unhealthy food - that would save the NHS enormous amounts of cash every year!)
I'm sorry I just don't buy the argument about saving it for the nation - having access to great art has not stopped wars, made governments better or stopped the credit crunch. Governments and banks and instutions are stuffed with people who probably visit art galleries and they are also the ones who have 'allowed' these things to happen or not taken steps to stop them. Art is a luxury and in times when money is tight for most people - including these poor dukes and lords and ladies - it sends out a poor message IMO.
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(If the government wants to save some money they could ban alcohol and smoking outright, and tax unhealthy food - that would save the NHS enormous amounts of cash every year!)