The Art of the Steal

“The Art of the Steal”is a documentary film directed by Don Argott and tells the story of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a physician and, more notably, one of the foremost art collectors of the 20th Century. Dr. Barnes, over the years amassed one of the world’s finest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The paintings were located in Dr. Barnes’ home in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania (5 miles from downtown Philadelphia) since he intended that they be displayed and viewed only for educational purposes insisting that they would never fall prey to the commercial art scene in Philadelphia. To protect this goal and safeguard the paintings which have been conservatively valued in excess of $25 billion dollars, Dr. Barnes created a foundation and trust to insure that his wishes would be honored. Upon his death (as a result of a car accident) key moneyed and political interests sought to challenge and disrupt the plans made by this unique collector They promptly commenced efforts to move the collection to the Philadelphia art museum so that “the general public would have access to it“. This film is the story of that battle, both legal and moral, and how the wishes and desires of one testator/trustor can be stifled and destroyed when powerful interests take positions opposite from the original benefactor.. Philanthropists and lawyers will appreciate the machinations that can occur when a decedent passes away with no relative or next of kin to attempt to safeguard his or her interests. Everyone generally interested in the world of art and public charity will find fascinating the methods and tactic employed by those seeking to cater to their own aims and needs even though they may be totally opposite from those of the original owner. I give this documentary 3 stars for its entertainment value, for its insight into the world of charity and art and for the lessons which can be learned for those seeking to protect their post death intentions