Hispanic Society Announces Sale of Multiple Artworks from Collection

The Hispanic Society Museum in New York is undertaking a strategic deaccessioning of 45 European Old Master paintings, including a work by El Greco’s workshop, to generate funds for collection care and acquisition. This decision aligns with their goal to diversify the collection responsibly while still honoring their foundational mission to advance the study of Spanish and Portuguese culture. The artworks, which include religious and aristocratic themes predominately from the Spanish School of the late-16th and 17th centuries, as well as Hispano-Flemish pieces, are deemed non-critical to the museum’s core mission. Notable works include “Saint Dominic in Prayer” and “Portrait of Emperor Charles V in an Armchair,” expected to sell at significant prices. These items will be auctioned online via Christie’s, with proceeds aimed at enhancing the museum’s collection care in accordance with American Alliance of Museums guidelines. The Museum’s actions illustrate the financial challenges faced by cultural institutions and the careful balancing required to maintain and grow valuable collections. The available items are on display at Christie’s in Manhattan until October 15.