AMHERST, Mass. -- Trustees of the Jones Library want more public comment before deciding whether to sell Albert Bierstadt's 1863 painting 'Platte River, Nebraska,' which some experts say may be worth more than $1.5 million, officials said Monday.
In a non-binding poll last month, the trustees voted 6-0 to sell the painting to help finance about $5 million in renovations at the public library.
The trustees now say they want more public comment before they decide whether to sell the painting, which is on permanent loan to the Mead Art Gallery at Amherst College.
'The art museum community is apparently opposed to the sale of the Bierstadt,' said Cheryl B. Wilson, president of the library's board of trustees. 'So we wanted to hear more opinions from people.'
The library acquired the painting in 1926 for $1 along with more than 100 other art works from local businessman William A. Burnett's estate.
'The Bierstadt was valued at $400 at that time,' and has obviously appreciated in value since, Wilson said.
'In 1958, it was put on permanent loan to Amherst College, where it is hung each year two months out of 12,' Wilson said. 'Amherst College has taken wonderful care of this painting for 30 years and it has also traveled to other places.'
In 1982 a New York dealer offered to buy it, Wilson said. 'The trustees at that time decided not to sell the painting because there was no pressing need,' Wilson said.
Then when the Jones Library a few years ago decided to expand its facilities and renovate existing space, talk of selling the Bierstadt surfaced.
The work was appraised by Christie's and Sotheby's, two New York art auction houses, at $1 million to $1.5 million, Wilson said.
'I have yet to be convinced not to sell. Basically this is a time that there is a greater need for the money for renovation and expansion,' Wilson said.
The trustees will take public comment during a hearing Tuesday and are expected to make a final decision by the end of September, which if they decide to sell would give them ample time to be included in the annual December art auctions, Wilson said.
