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Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom

By Edgar Driscoll Jr.
Globe Staff

Steps to curb the flourishing international black market in art objects have been taken at Harvard University, it was announced this week.

Directors of major Harvard collections of art works and antiquities have called for a firm, united stand by museums, leading institutions and private collectors against illicit commerce.

They also propose that Harvard join with other responsible institutions and collectors in an effort to eliminate or at least diminish the power of the black market.

The proposals were made in a report of a university-wide museum committee formed in the fall of 1978 by President Nathan M. Pusey because of concern that American museums and similar institutions may acquire objects of questionable provenience in violation of the national treasure of other countries.

At no point in the committee report, released this week, was reference made to the recent controversy over the Fine Arts Department's controversial acquisition of a painting attributed to Raphael, which is now under wraps at the Fogg Art Museum. The report was prepared before the Raphael case came to light. The painting was seized last January by US Customs officials on allegations that it had been smuggled into this country. Harvard officials claim that the small Italian painting was taken out of Italy in 1945 in violation of that country's laws. They are pressing charges to get it back.

The Harvard University Committee pointed out that

SUMMER-LONG salute to "Concepts of the Bauhaus" is now on view at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, Harvard. Among works reflecting achievements of German institution of the 1920s is Lyonel Feininger's "Wolke."

In recent years many countries have developed legislation designed to regulate the collection and export of their cultural objects, and natural specimens found within their borders. But without the cooperation of the ultimate consumer - the collecting institution or individual - the legislation is often ineffective in controlling abuses.

"More and more countries attempt to regulate these matters," the report states. "The resulting legislation is far from uniform and has become steadily more complex. But no matter how complex, badly drafted or even unenforceable, the legislation may appear to be, a responsible collecting institution must abide by it."

Specifically, in terms of Harvard, the report said that the violation, real or apparent, of a foreign country's laws by one branch of the University is likely to have adverse effects upon the legitimate interests of all other branches of the University who pursue activities abroad. The report says that the University in question, and a bad reputation, once gained, is difficult to improve.

Proposed future guidelines to maintain the integrity of Harvard's collecting policy made by the committee included the following:

The curator responsible for acquiring an object should assure himself that the University can acquire valid title to it.

The curator should have reasonable assurance that the object has not been exported from another country in violation of that country's laws.

In any case of doubt, the curator should consult widely with others in the University, and, if necessary, with a special panel of experts.

If in the future, the University comes into possession of an object that can be demonstrated to have been exported in violation of national laws, the University should consider the possibility of the object if it legally can.

The committee was chaired by William H. Bond, Librarian of the Houghton Library of rare books and manuscripts. Members included Alfred H. Barr, Jr., director of the Museum of Comparative Zoology; J. David Farmer, curator of the Peabody Museum; Agnes Mongan, retiring director of the Fogg Art Museum; William R. Tyler, director of the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection of Byzantine Culture, Washington, D.C.; and Prof. John B. B. Bator, of the Harvard Law School, who worked on the report as a member of the International Council of Museums.

The report is the first of a panel of the American Society of International Law.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the "THEATER/ARTS" section, specifically titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article, written by Edgar Driscoll Jr. from the Globe Staff, discusses concerns raised by Harvard museum directors about the growing international black market for art objects.

Key points from the article include:

1. Harvard's Concerns:

   • Harvard directors have called for an international ban on the illicit trade in art objects to protect cultural heritage and national treasures.

2. Report by Museum Committee:

   • A report from Harvard's wide museum committee, formed under President Nathan Pusey, highlights the risks of acquiring objects that may be stolen or illegally exported.
   • The report underscores the need for uniform international legislation to prevent the smuggling of cultural artifacts.

3. Controversial Artwork:

   • The committee mentions a specific case, the Raphael painting "Portrait of a Young Woman," which is part of a controversy involving the Fine Arts' acquisition.
   • The painting was seized in Italy due to suspicions that it violated the country's export laws.

4. Legislation and Responsibility:

   • The article discusses the potential for legislation to regulate the collection and export of cultural artifacts.
   • It suggests that curators should have reasonable assurance that objects they acquire are legally obtained and have not been exported in violation of national laws.

5. Committee Proposals:

   • The committee proposes guidelines to ensure the integrity of Harvard’s collection, including consultation with legal experts and other institutions.

The article suggests that Harvard's curators are aiming to collaborate with other institutions and propose stricter measures to combat the black market art trade. The proposed measures include ensuring that acquisitions are made legally and ethically, and that the integrity of cultural heritage is preserved.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Globe Staff, dated to an unspecified date in the past, titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom" under the section "THEATER/ARTS". The article discusses steps taken by Harvard University to curb the international black market in art objects.

Key points include:

1. Initiative by Harvard University: Directors of major Harvard collections of artworks and antiquities called for urgent action to address the issue of illicitly acquired art objects.
2. Committee's Report: A university-wide museum committee, led by President Nathan M. Pusey, proposed that Harvard should join other responsible institutions and collectors to eliminate or reduce the black market's influence.
3. Concerns and Proposals: The committee expressed concern that American museums might acquire objects in violation of export laws, potentially causing harm to the national treasures of other countries. They proposed new guidelines to ensure that Harvard does not acquire objects illegally exported or in violation of laws.
4. Specific Example: The controversial "Portrait of a Young Woman" by Raphael, currently at the Fenway Museum, was seized by US Customs officials, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
5. Legislative Efforts: The article mentions increasing international efforts to regulate the collection and export of cultural property, but notes that the ultimate consumer (the collecting institution) often remains unregulated.
6. Committee Members: The committee was chaired by William H. Bond, with members including Alfred H. Barr Jr., Agnes Mongan, William R. Tyler, Paul M. Bator, and J. David Farmer.
7. Guidelines for Acquisitions: The committee recommended that curators ensure objects have valid titles and have not been illegally exported. If in doubt, they should consult widely with others in the university and potentially seek legal advice.

The article also highlights the museum exhibit "Concepts of the Bauhaus" at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, showcasing works from the German Bauhaus movement of the 1920s.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the "THEATER/ARTS" section, titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article is written by Edgar Driscoll Jr. and published in the Globe.

The article discusses steps taken by Harvard University to curb the international black market in art objects. Directors of major Harvard collections of artworks and antiquities have been called upon to voluntarily refrain from acquiring art objects that may have been illegally acquired by institutions and private collectors.

The proposals were made in a report by a university-wide museum committee formed by the then-President Nathan M. Pusey. The committee expressed concern that American museums and similar institutions might acquire objects in violation of other countries' laws, thus contributing to the national treasure of other countries.

The report referenced the controversial "Portrait of a Young Woman" attributed to Raphael, which was seized by US Customs officials on allegations of illegal export from Italy. The committee suggested that Harvard join other responsible institutions in an effort to diminish the power of the black market.

The article also mentions that the proposed legislation and guidelines aim to regulate the collection and export of art objects and natural specimens found within their borders. It highlights the need for a responsible collecting institution to maintain the integrity of its collection policy.

The clipping includes a photo of the "Concepts of the Bauhaus" exhibit at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, Harvard, featuring Lyonel Feininger's "Wolke." The article concludes by mentioning the proposed guidelines for curators to ensure the validity and legality of objects they acquire for the University.

The image is a newspaper clipping from the "Theater/Arts" section of a publication, featuring an article titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article is written by Edgar Driscoll Jr. and Globe Staff.

Summary:

Main Topic:
The article discusses steps taken by Harvard University to curb the flourishing international black market in art objects. The directors of major Harvard collections of artworks and antiquities have issued a firm stand against the illicit trade of cultural artifacts.

Key Points:

1. Proposals by Harvard Curators:

   • Harvard University's museum directors and curators have proposed several measures to combat the black market trade in art.
   • They aim to join forces with other responsible institutions and collectors to reduce or eliminate the power of the black market.

2. Report Details:

   • The proposals were detailed in a report by a university-wide museum committee.
   • The report was initiated following the resignation of President Nathan M. Pusey in the fall of 1970 due to concerns over the acquisition of artifacts by American museums and similar institutions.

3. Concerns and Actions:

   • The report highlights the inadequacy of current legislation to regulate the acquisition of antiquities and natural specimens.
   • It notes that while there is legislation in some countries, it is often inadequate and hard to enforce without international cooperation.

4. Recent Incidents:

   • The article mentions the "Portrait of a Young Woman" attributed to Raphael, which was seized by US Customs officials due to its potentially illegal export from Italy.
   • It also references the Boston Museum of Fine Arts' controversial acquisition practices.

5. Legislative and Institutional Measures:

   • The Harvard report urges the development of stricter legislation to regulate the import of cultural artifacts.
   • It suggests that institutions should ensure artifacts are acquired legally and ethically, with proper documentation.

6. Committee and Future Guidelines:

   • The committee, chaired by William H. Bond, Librarian of the Houghton Library, included other prominent figures such as J. David Farmer, curator of the Busch-Reisinger Museum.
   • Future guidelines propose maintaining the integrity of Harvard’s collections and ensuring acquisitions comply with international laws.

7. Additional Exhibits:

   • There is a mention of an exhibit at the Busch-Reisinger Museum showcasing "Concepts of the Bauhaus," reflecting achievements in German art from the 1920s.

The article underscores the importance of ethical practices in art acquisition and the need for stringent regulations to protect cultural heritage.

The image is a newspaper clipping from an article titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom" written by Edgar Driscoll Jr. The article discusses steps taken by Harvard University to curb the flourishing black market in art objects.

Key points from the article include:

1. Committee Formation: Harvard formed a committee in the fall of 1969, led by President Nathan M. Pusey, due to concerns about the illegal acquisition of art objects by museums and institutions.

2. Proposals: The committee proposed that Harvard and other institutions should:

   • Refuse to acquire objects of dubious provenance.
   • Join efforts to diminish the power of the black market.
   • Encourage legislation to protect national treasures and regulate the export of art objects.

3. Specific Case: The article mentions a controversial acquisition by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, a portrait attributed to Raphael, which was seized by US Customs officials due to allegations of illegal export from Italy.

4. Legislation: The committee suggested that Harvard should press for legislation requiring the approval of the export of art objects by a government department or regulatory legislation by a university branch.

5. Guidelines: The committee proposed guidelines to maintain the integrity of Harvard's collections, including:

   • Ensuring objects have not been exported illegally.
   • Consulting widely with experts.
   • Considering the possession of objects that can be demonstrated to have adverse effects on the legitimate interests of another country.

6. Committee Members: The committee was chaired by William H. Bond and included members from various Harvard museums and departments.

The article also includes an image of a painting titled "Wolke" by Lyonel Feininger, which is part of an exhibition at the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard.

The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Theater/Arts section with the headline "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article is written by Edgar Driscoll Jr., a Globe Staff writer. It discusses efforts by Harvard University curators to curb the flourishing international black market in art objects. The directors of major Harvard collections have called for a firm, united stance by leading institutions and private collectors against illicit commerce in artworks and antiquities.

The article explains that Harvard proposes joining other institutions and collectors to eliminate or diminish the power of the black market. A report was made by a university-wide museum committee formed in fall 1970 after retiring President Nathan M. Pusey raised concerns about American museums potentially acquiring objects and antiquities illegally. The report highlights issues around the regulation and export of such items, noting that legislation often proves inadequate.

It also mentions the controversial case of a painting titled "Portrait of a Young Woman," attributed to Raphael, which was seized by US Customs on smuggling allegations and is now under wraps at the Fenway institution. The report advises guidelines for maintaining the integrity of Harvard’s collecting policies, including requiring curators to ensure valid title and consult widely if the university comes into possession of questionable objects.

The article names the committee's chair and members, who include various Harvard curators and directors of art and research institutions. There is also a black and white photo related to the subject, captioned as a "summer-long salute to 'Concepts of the Bauhaus,'" featuring Lyonel Feininger's artwork "Wolke," displayed at the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard.

Overall, the article addresses concerns about cultural property, legal and ethical collecting practices, and Harvard's role in combating the black market for art.

The image shows a newspaper clipping from a section titled "THEATER / ARTS." The main headline reads "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article is attributed to Edgar Driscoll Jr. of the Globe Staff. Just below the headline is a black-and-white image of an artwork that appears abstract, with dynamic lines suggesting motion or energy. This is followed by the article's text, which discusses steps being taken to curb the international black market in art objects, a problem that has been prominent enough to warrant attention from Harvard University's directors of major art works and antiquities. They are calling for a "firm, united stand" by key institutions and private collectors against illicit commerce.

The article also describes a proposal by Harvard for institutions to cooperate in efforts to eliminate the influence and power of the black market in art. It continues with discussions about recent developments in art theft and fraud, and the need for improved regulation and cooperation. Mention is made of an ongoing exhibition: "Concepts of the Bauhaus," which is on view at the Busch-Reisinger Museum, Harvard. The article elaborates on various efforts and challenges involved in deterring illegal activities in the art world, including legal considerations and possible guidelines for museum acquisitions.

To the left-hand side, we see the bound edge of a book or folder in which the clipping is kept, with the top showing wear and tear. There is also a green bookmark or tab inserted beside the clipping with some text on it, which is not fully legible in the image. The page opposite the clipping is partially visible, and it also contains text, likely from another part of the newspaper or book compilation.

The image is a newspaper clipping from 1970, featuring an article titled "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom" by Edgar Driscoll Jr. The article discusses the efforts of Harvard University curators to address the issue of the international black market in art objects, particularly antiquities and natural specimens. It mentions that Harvard's collections of art works and antiquities have been targeted by leading institutions and private collectors, leading to illicit commerce. The curators propose regulations to curb this trend, including a ban on the export of art objects that can be demonstrated to have been exported in violation of national laws. The article also mentions a report by a committee formed at Harvard University in the fall of 1970, chaired by William H. Houghton, director of the Houghton Library of rare books and manuscripts. The committee includes members from various museums and institutions, and they aim to develop future guidelines for Harvard's policy on the acquisition of objects.

The image depicts a newspaper clipping featuring an article about Harvard curators seeking a ban on the black market art boom. The headline reads, "Harvard curators seek ban on black market art boom." The article is written by Edgar Driscoll Jr. and discusses the efforts of Harvard University's curators to curb the illicit trade of art objects.

The article is accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of a painting, which is titled "Concepts of the Bauhaus" by Lyonel Feininger. The painting is displayed in the Busch-Reisinger Museum at Harvard. The image of the painting shows a stylized, abstract representation of a landscape with a prominent structure in the foreground.

The article explains that Harvard curators, along with other art institutions and collectors, are advocating for legislation to regulate the international black market in art objects. They argue that the lack of protective laws regarding the national treasures of other countries allows for the acquisition of objects and antiquities in violation of those laws.

The curators propose that Harvard join with other responsible institutions and collectors to diminish or eliminate the black market. They suggest that the university should demonstrate its commitment to upholding the legitimate interests of all other branches of the university who pursue academic and natural studies.

The article also mentions that Harvard's committee, chaired by William H. Houghton, director of the Houghton Library of rare books and manuscripts, has been working on this issue. The committee includes experts from various fields, such as comparative zoology, art, archaeology, and ethnology.

The article concludes by stating that the university's policy is to maintain "the integrity of Harvard's collecting policy" and that the curators are responsible for acquiring objects that they can assure have not been exported in violation of any country's laws.