“It has been authenticated. The provenance is unassailable,” the Museum Director told the Head of Special Collections.
“But… I… it is a very unusual object and one not in keeping with the rest of our collection.”
“I understand that. However, I’m sure you know that its display would guarantee a massive new audience whose interests we don’t currently address. I believe we should accept it gracefully and with enthusiasm.”
“We would need to limit its viewing to adults, of course. Has it been sufficiently sterilized?”
“Of course. And I never said that it should be available to all our patrons. In fact, I’m wondering whether we couldn’t develop a small secure area that includes similar objects. Perhaps we could take over the space now occupied by the Franco collection. Has anyone even been in there in the past few months?”
“There has been a decline in enthusiasm for Mr. Franco’s sketchbooks and journals.
“They are indecipherable.”
“True, true. However, you’re going to have to present this idea at our semi-annual meeting next month. I hardly know how our managers will respond.”
“As you know, the pandemic has left us in a critical financial state. This donation could change that. People will flock to see it. They will view our institution in a different light, and it will provide the funds we need to grow.”
“It has gems embedded in it.”
“Quite. You do recall the Huysman exhibit at the Musee D’Orsay? They included a replica of Montesquiou’s jewel-encrusted tortoise.”
“That was a tortoise. This is a – I can’t say it.”
“Ms. Nin was particularly fond of it."
“But… I… it is a very unusual object and one not in keeping with the rest of our collection.”
“I understand that. However, I’m sure you know that its display would guarantee a massive new audience whose interests we don’t currently address. I believe we should accept it gracefully and with enthusiasm.”
“We would need to limit its viewing to adults, of course. Has it been sufficiently sterilized?”
“Of course. And I never said that it should be available to all our patrons. In fact, I’m wondering whether we couldn’t develop a small secure area that includes similar objects. Perhaps we could take over the space now occupied by the Franco collection. Has anyone even been in there in the past few months?”
“There has been a decline in enthusiasm for Mr. Franco’s sketchbooks and journals.
“They are indecipherable.”
“True, true. However, you’re going to have to present this idea at our semi-annual meeting next month. I hardly know how our managers will respond.”
“As you know, the pandemic has left us in a critical financial state. This donation could change that. People will flock to see it. They will view our institution in a different light, and it will provide the funds we need to grow.”
“It has gems embedded in it.”
“Quite. You do recall the Huysman exhibit at the Musee D’Orsay? They included a replica of Montesquiou’s jewel-encrusted tortoise.”
“That was a tortoise. This is a – I can’t say it.”
“Ms. Nin was particularly fond of it."
