FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Four sculptures created by Henri Matisse and housed at the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas are to be sold, the owners of the works announced.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram said the foundation bought "Backs I-IV" in 1982 and initially installed them in Fort Worth's Burnett Park, then moved them to the museum in 2000 to safeguard them.
"Over the years, the value of the 'Backs' has grown significantly," foundation Executive Director Neils Agather said in a release issued to the Star-Telegram. "It now far exceeds anything that could justify owning them as a part of the foundation's main mission, which is to support activities in the community and not to own art."
The "Backs" will be sold together as a lot through Sotheby's, the newspaper said.
A date for the sale has not been set yet.
