New England Conservatory – A Feast of Music 2012
Auction Ends: Feb 23, 2012 11:59 PM EST

Unique Experiences

How Do Works End Up in a Museum?

Item Number
200
Estimated Value
280 USD
Opening Bid
100 USD

Live Event Item

After the online close, this item went to a Live Event for further bidding.

Item Description

The head of provenance research for the Leopold Museum in Vienna, Austria, historian Dr. Robert Holzbauer, will be giving a guided tour through the museum entitled “How Do Artworks End up in Museums.  The Fate of Artworks.”  Using the example of individual masterpieces from the Leopold Collection, he will shed light on their often dramatic history.  Among the masterpieces discussed is Egon Schiele’s “Portrait of Wally,” arguably the most famous painting by the artist. Dr. Holzbauer explores the life of “Wally,” who was born as Walpurga Pfneisl, including her liaison with Egon Schiele and her tragic death as a nurse in World War I.  In 1998, the work was seized following an exhibition in New York.  Focusing on the ensuing complex lawsuit, you will gain interesting insights into the odyssey of this work from the Leopold Collection and how this lawsuit resonated throughout the art world of many countries, prompting new legislation governing the “safe conduct” of loaned artworks. 

Item Special Note

Valid in 2012 and 2013.  Appointment must be made in advance.