FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO
Executive Committee
Board of Trustees
December 10, 1998
Call to Order
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco was held on Thursday, December 10, 1998, in the 6th Floor Conference Room of the
Museums’ Administrative Offices at 233 Post Street, San Francisco. A quorum being present, the
meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, President. President Wilsey
presided; Mrs. Gough acted as Secretary.
Roll Call
Present:
Alvin H. Baum, Jr.
Mrs. Ray Dolby, Vice President/Annual Support
Richard P. Essey
Richard P. Finn, Vice President/Finance
Ms. Frankie Jacobs Gillette, Vice President/Civic Affairs
J. Burgess Jamieson
David M. Jamison, Vice President/Audience Development
J. Alec Merriam, Vice President/Collections
Steven MacGregor Read, Vice President/Facilities
Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, Chairman
Frank Montgomery Woods
Excused:
Nion McEvoy
Other Trustees in Attendance:
Mrs. Ransom S. Cook
Michael E. O’Neill
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
Report of the President - Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve the Minutes of the October 15,
1998 Meeting of the Board of Trustees
There being no discussion among the Trustees or members of the public, the
minutes of the October 15, 1998 meeting of the Board of Trustees, having been mailed in
advance to all Trustees, were unanimously approved.
B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of November 24, 1998 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections
Chair Merriam presented the following report:
1.
Purchases - Request to The Fine Arts Museums Foundation for Gifts
of Works of Art
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums
of San Francisco does hereby request The Fine Arts Museums Foundation to
acquire as gifts to the Museums the objects listed in Appendix I, as Items 1
and 2, on page 2411 of these minutes; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the President or Acting President of
the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is authorized to accept the gifts
offered by The Fine Arts Museums Foundation.
A motion to adopt the above resolution was made and seconded. There was no
discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted
unanimously to adopt the resolution as Board Resolution 1278.
2.
Gifts Offered to the Museums
A motion to approve the gifts offered to the Museums was made and seconded.
There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of
Trustees voted unanimously to approve with sincere thanks to all donors the gifts offered
to the Museums as listed in Appendix I, pages 2412 to 2424 of these minutes.
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Executive Committee
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B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of November 24, 1998 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections (continued)
3.
Bequest from the Estate of Donald Albert
A motion to approve the resolution accepting this bequest was made and seconded.
There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Board of
Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the resolution listed in Appendix I, pages 2425 and
2426 of these minutes as Board Resolution 1279.
4.
Accession of Works of Art on Loan to the Fine Arts Museums in
Accordance with the California Abandoned Property Statute
Chair Merriam discussed California Civil Code Section 1899 adopted in 1983, which
established that any object left in the possession of a museum for over twenty-five years with
no action taken by the owner to recover the property, or to declare their intent to preserve
ownership of the property, will be considered abandoned property and will become the
property of the museum. Following curatorial review, 56 works of art on loan to the
Museums dating as far back as 1900-1915 were recommended for accession into the
permanent collection.
A motion to approve the resolution to accession the 56 works of art on loan to the
Museums was made and seconded. There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no
public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the resolution listed in
Appendix I on page 2427 of these minutes, which accessions the 56 works of art into the
permanent collection as listed on the four corresponding pages, as Board Resolution 1280.
5.
Sale of Works of Art on Loan to the Fine Arts Museums in Accordance
with the California Abandoned Property Statute
Chair Merriam then advised that a number of works of art on loan to the Museums
dating as far back as 1900-1915 have been reviewed by the respective curators and deemed
to be unsuitable for the permanent collection. A motion to approve the resolution to sell
the 37 works of art was made and seconded. There was no discussion among Trustees.
There was no public testimony. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the
resolution on page 2428 of Appendix I of these minutes, which states the Museums intent
to sell the 37 works of art listed on the corresponding 3 pages, as Board Resolution 1281.
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December 10, 1998
B.
Consideration and Possible Action to Accept the Report of the Acquisitions
Committee of November 24, 1998 - J. Alec Merriam, Chair and Vice President
of Collections (continued)
6.
Deaccessioning - Steps 1 and 2
RESOLVED, That upon the recommendation of the Acquisitions
Committee made at its November 24, 1998 meeting, the Board of Trustees
does hereby approve first and second step deaccessioning for the works of
art listed in Appendix I beginning on page 2429 (27 sub-pages) of these
minutes.
There was no discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The
Board of Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution
1282 approving first and second step deaccesioning for the objects beginning on page 2429
of Appendix I of these minutes. First Step: Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, sub-pages
1-9; European Art, sub-pages 1-2; and European Decorative Art, sub-pages 1-8. Second
Step: European Art, sub-pages 1-2; Prints and Drawings, sub-page 1; and Textiles, subpages 1-5.
7.
Purchases Reported for the Record
These objects are listed in Appendix I, pages 2430 to 2433 of these minutes.
8.
Funding Status Report - Desk, ca. 1680, attributed to Pierre Gole, French,
Paris, ca. 1620-1684, and Establishment of the Gorham B. Knowles Art
Acquisition Fund
Mr. Parker provided an update on the price and funding of the Desk, attributed
to Pierre Gole, which was approved for purchase at the October 15, 1998 meeting of the
Board of Trustees. As reviewed by the Board of Trustees on October 15, 1998, the price
and funding of the Desk were recorded as follows:
Price: 1,300,000 FF (approximately $216,666 as of 8/1/98)
Funding: Michael Taylor Fund at the San Francisco Foundation, $100,000;
the Ruth L. and Alfred B. Koch Trust, $54,927; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey
Fund, $5,357; Balance to be raised, $56,382
The final purchase price of the Desk was $215,152. Mr. Parker further reported
that following the unexpected death in October 1998 of Gorham Knowles, a long-time and
generous supporter of the Fine Arts Museums, the Gorham B. Knowles Art Acquisition
Fund was created with funds designated toward the purchase of the Desk. Donations in
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Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
8.
Funding Status Report - Desk, ca. 1680, attributed to Pierre Gole, French,
Paris, ca. 1620-1684, and Establishment of the Gorham B. Knowles Art
Acquisition Fund (continued)
memory of Mr. Knowles total $35,6591. A balance of $19,013 remains to be funded.
The Acquisitions Committee agreed that the balance of $19,013 should be funded
as follows: a) Friends of Ian White Endowment Income Fund 620, $15,509; and b)
Unrestricted Art Acquisition Endowment Income Fund 628, $3,5041. The price, funding
and credit line for the Desk now read as follows:
Price: $215,152
Funding: Michael Taylor Fund at the San Francisco Foundation, $100,000;
the Ruth L. and Alfred B. Koch Trust, $55,1061; the Gorham B. Knowles Art
Acquisition Fund, $35,659; Friends of Ian White Endowment Income
Fund 620, $15,509; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey Fund, $5,374; and
Unrestricted Art Acquisition Endowment Fund, $3,504
Credit Line: San Francisco Foundation Grant from the Michael Taylor Trust,
the Ruth L. and Alfred B. Koch Trust, the Gorham B. Knowles Art Acquisition
Fund, Friends of Ian White Endowment Fund; the Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey
Fund; and Unrestricted Art Acquisition Endowment Income Fund in Memory of
Gorham B. Knowles
C.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Preliminary to the
Purchase of a Mayan Antiquity
At its meeting on May 28, 1998, the Acquisitions Committee recommended the
purchase of Limestone Relief: Stela of a Ruler, A.D. 600-900, pending resolution of all
legal conditions. It was noted that Wattis Art Acquisition Funds are to be utilized to
acquire the stela, a major, architectural monument of 8th century Mayan art, subject to the
approval of Mrs. Paul L. Wattis, Trustee Emerita. The stela is available through a New
York art
dealer at a price of $1.5 million.
Mr. Parker discussed the complicated nature of unprovenanced antiquities at
length, including the difficulties in determining provenance and resulting international
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
C.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Preliminary to the
Purchase of a Mayan Antiquity (continued)
agreements such as the 1972 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and
Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
For the past twenty years, a policy has been in place at the Fine Arts Museums which
established that the Museums will not support illicit trade in ancient objects, and this
policy has been scrupulously adhered to when the Museums acquired major pre-Columbian
works of art. Approximately one major pre-Columbian work of art has been acquired per
year over the past ten year period. Evidence that an object under purchase consideration has
entered the United States before the 1972 UNESCO Convention date is mandatory and must
be provided to the Museums. This guideline is supported by the American Association of
Museums and the Association of Art Museum Directors.
The Museums have consulted with prominent archaeologists, art historians,
epigraphers, attorneys, and museum professionals to determine all issues connected with
the authenticity, attribution and acquisition of the stela. The Acquisitions Committee has
fully discussed the issues and has reviewed several opinions from recognized authorities
including one from John Henry Merryman, a Stanford University Professor of Law Emeritus,
who is highly regarded for his expertise in antiquities law. Professor Merryman stated his
belief that the probability of successful legal action against the museum should it acquire the
stela is slight. He further advised that discussions with the host country be undertaken.
With Professor Merryman’s advice in mind and the encouragement of the
Acquisitions Committee, Mr. Parker and Kathy Berrin, Curator for Africa, Oceania, and the
Americas, traveled to Guatemala, the probably country of origin. They met with the former
Guatemalan Ambassador to the United States, who is also an archeologist. Mr. Parker
and Curator Berrin leave tonight on a second trip to Guatemala for a meeting with the
Guatemalan Minister of Culture to discuss the Museums’ intent to acquire the stela. A
statement from the Executive Committee in support of the Museums’ efforts to acquire the
stela would be most helpful to present to the Minister of Culture.
Mr. Parker introduced the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Guatemalan Minister of Culture, the Director of
Museums, and the Curator for Africa, Oceania and the Americas will soon
meet to discuss the Vision Serpent Stela, an outstanding monument of 8th
century Mayan art, which the Museums intend to acquire; and
WHEREAS, The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco have
consulted widely and to the best of their ability with prominent archaeologists,
art historians, epigraphers, attorneys, and museum professionals to determine all
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Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
C.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Preliminary to the
Purchase of a Mayan Antiquity (continued)
issues connected with the authenticity, attribution and acquisition of the stela;
and
WHEREAS, The Museums have been guided by a commitment to
educate a broad public in the importance of Mayan art and culture, to clarify the
complex issues connected with its preservation and collection, and to promote
respect for the cultural patrimony of all Latin American countries; and
WHEREAS, The Museums are aware that Guatemala has been highly
active in recent years regarding repatriation of its cultural patrimony, and out of
respect for these concerns, the Museums wish to collaborate with Guatemala and
examine any potential issues of patrimony in a spirit of openness; and
WHEREAS, The Museums deplore unscientific excavation of sites, the
dismemberment of monuments, and the resulting loss of cultural, historic, and
scientific information to the peoples of the world, and have pledged to obey
international conventions relating to the illegal export of works of art; and
WHEREAS, The Museums have an international reputation for the
voluntary return of cultural property in the unprecedented Teotihuacan Murals
project 1976-86 and wish to play a continued role in the spirit of international
cooperation in the preservation and recognition of Guatemalan art and culture; and
WHEREAS, The original site location of the stela is currently unknown,
although the stela’s hieroglyphic inscription may refer to its principal figure as “A
Royal Lady from Tikal or Dos Pilas,” and its style and iconographic elements
suggest an origin in any of the present-day countries of Guatemala, Mexico, or
Belize; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Museums, as the custodian institution of the Vision
Serpent Stela, will be responsible for its safety, preservation, and public exhibition;
and in accompanying explanatory materials and one or more illustrated
publications, the Museums will explain the history of the stela, the care and
research that went into its acquisition, current problems and issues concerning
national patrimony, and will publicly acknowledge that the stela is part of the
national patrimony of Guatemala, Mexico, or Belize; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That in the future, should new information or
evidence become available for a site location for the Vision Serpent Stela, the
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
C.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Preliminary to the
Purchase of a Mayan Antiquity (continued)
Museums will endeavor to renegotiate the status of the stela with that country,
consult widely and explore options such as joint-ownership, and publicly
acknowledge the stela as part of the national patrimony of said country; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Museums offer to join with the Ministry
to develop one or more projects that will help preserve and bring world recognition
to the national patrimony of Guatemala, in the form of sharing conservation
resources, encouraging joint scholarship, producing collaborative exhibitions and
publications, and/or promoting exchanges of personnel or resources; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Director of Museums and the
Curator of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas are authorized to convey this
Resolution to the Minister of Culture of Guatemala and respectfully request his
acknowledgement of receipt.
Mr. Parker, J. Alec Merriam, Chair of the Acquisitions Committee, and Steve
Nash, Chief Curator, recently met with Mrs. Paul L. Wattis, who has voiced concern over
the issues raised by unprovenanced antiquities. Mr. Parker advised that Mrs. Wattis
supports the Museums’ acquisition of the stela and the use of Wattis Art Acquisition
Funds for this purpose. The Executive Committee recognized the prudent, responsible
and precedent setting steps taken by the Museums to determine all issues connected with the
authenticity, attribution and acquisition of the stela.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the above resolution. There was no
further discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Executive
Committee voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1283.
D.
Consideration and Possible Action to Recommend the Adoption of a Resolution
Authorizing the Director to Accept Year End Gifts of Art
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums
of San Francisco, upon the recommendation of the Chair of the Acquisitions
Committee, does hereby authorize the Director of Museums (or his designee)
to accept gifts of art offered to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and
The Fine Arts Museums Foundation from November 24, 1998 (last Acquisitions
Committee meeting) through December 31, 1998, if in his (or his designee’s)
judgment, he deems it acceptable after consultation with first the appropriate
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Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
D.
Consideration and Possible Action to Recommend the Adoption of a
Resolution
Authorizing the Director to Accept Year End Gifts of Art (continued)
staff curator, or the Acquisitions Committee Chair, or Board President, if
available, before the time by which he or his designee has to accept the offer
of the gift; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Director shall report to the Board
of Trustees at its January 14, 1999 meeting the gifts of art accepted during
this period.
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the above resolution. There was no
discussion among Trustees. There was no public testimony. The Executive Committee
voted unanimously to adopt the above resolution as Board Resolution 1284.
E.
Report on Recent Developments Regarding the Plan to Rebuild the de Young
Museum in Golden Gate Park
1.
Letter of Support Dated November 2, 1998 from Margaret Brodkin,
Executive Director, Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth
President Wilsey acknowledged the appended letter from Margaret Brodkin,
Executive Director of Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth, an organization
committed to keeping the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. In this letter, Ms.
Brodkin extended appreciation to the Board of Trustees for its decision to begin to
build a new de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park with private funds.
Report of the Director - Harry S. Parker III
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request
Mr. Parker presented the following loan request:
From:
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA
For:
Fate, Fortune, Nemesis: Albrecht Dürer at Century’s End
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA: 1/29/99 - 4/11/99
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request (continued)
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1992.36.3 A008987)
Nemesis (The Great Fortune), circa 1501-1502
Engraving, 33.3 x 22.8 cm (image); 33.3 x 22.8 cm (sheet)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, Gift of the Museum Society Auxiliary
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1991.76.1 A008653)
The Seamonster (L’Enlevement d’Amymonte), circa 1499
Etching, 25.2 x 19.2 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Gift of Elise S. Haas
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1984.1.154 b A006784)
Justice, Truth and Reason, 15th - 16th century
Woodcut, 14.1 x 30.2 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Gift of Robert Flynn Johnson
Jacopo dé Barbari, Italian, 1440-1515 (1975.1.88 A001326)
Judith With The Head of Holofernes, late 16th century
Engraving, 17.7 x 10.3 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Bequest of Ruth Haas Lilienthal
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1975.1.87 A008516)
The Promenade, circa 1496 - 1497
Engraving, 19.5 x 12.3 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Bequest of Ruth Haas Lilienthal
Anonymous, Italian (1970.25.12 A001346)
Justice, from a set of Tarot Cards (E-series), circa 1465
Engraving with gold, 17.9 x 9.9 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Arts Purchase
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1963.30.25 A008514)
Five Soldiers and a Turk on Horseback, 15th - 16th century
Engraving, 13.4 x 14.6 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request (continued)
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1963.30.22 A008511)
Sol Iustitiae (The Sun of Justice, or Justice), 15th - 16th century
Engraving, 10.8 x 7.7 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1961.55.1 A010898)
The Men’s Bath (Das Mannerbad), circa 1498
Woodcut, 39.1 x 28 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Sinton in memory of
Philip N. Lilienthal, Jr., 1961
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1960.71.3 A008651)
Jealousy (“Der Hercules”), circa 1498 - 1499
Engraving, 32.5 x 22.6 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Gift of Col. David McC. McKell
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1953.42 A006616))
Adam and Eve, 1504
Engraving, 25.3 x 19.6 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Gift of Thomas Carr Howe, Jr.
Battista Angolo del Moro, Italian (A001358)
La Fama (Fame), 16th century
Etching, 33.3 x 21.9 cm (image)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.1 A008224)
The Virgin Appearing to St. John, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request (continued)
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.2 A008225)
The Martyrdom of St. John, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.3 A008226)
The Vision of the Seven Candlesticks, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.4 A008227)
St. John Before God and the Elders, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.5 A008228)
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1497 - 1498
Woodcut, 39.3 x 27.9 cm (image); 39.3 x 27.9 cm (sheet)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.6 A008229)
The Opening of the Fifth and Sixth Seal, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.7 A008230)
The Four Angels Holding the Winds, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.8 A008231)
The Four Angels With the Trumpets, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request (continued)
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.9 A008232)
The Four Avenging Angels, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.10 A008233)
St. John Devouring the Book, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.11 A008234)
The Apocalyptic Woman, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.12 A008235)
St. Michael Fighting the Dragon, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.13 A008236)
The Beast With Two Horns Like a Lamb, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.14 A008237)
The Adoration of the Lamb, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.15 A008238)
The Babylonian Whore, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
A.
Consideration and Possible Action to Approve Loan Request (continued)
Albrecht Dürer, German, 1471-1528 (1979.1.50.16 A008239)
The Angel With the Key of the Bottomless Pit, 1511
Woodcut
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Achenbach Foundation for
Graphic Art, Museum Purchase, William H. Noble Bequest Fund
Stipulations: The works will be accompanied by a FAMSF courier to and from
Sacramento. All related expenses are to be paid by requesting organization.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the above loan. There was no
discussion among the Trustees or members of the public. The Executive Committee
voted unanimously to approve the loan subject to the conditions stated.
B.
Report on Plans for Installation of Historical Artifacts for the Opening of
the Restored City Hall
On January 5, 1999, the newly restored City Hall will open to the public.
Mr. Parker advised that he recently toured City Hall and noted the extraordinary
renovation that has taken place. Two exhibitions have been planned for the new City
Hall in courtyard space created to the north and south of the dome. The south courtyard
space will be devoted to a history of San Francisco exhibition, including approximately
twenty-five historical objects from the Fine Arts Museums’ collection.
C.
Update on City Budget
Discussions have been initiated with the City’s Budget Office regarding fiscal year
1999-2000 budget needs for the Fine Arts Museums. The seriousness of the five year
financial projections, which identified a cumulative $11 to $13 million deficit as discussed
at the last meeting of the Executive Committee, have also been brought to the attention of
City budget officials. The Museums have requested the City’s help to minimize the
deficit. Mr. Parker will keep the Trustees apprised of developments.
D.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Requesting the City
and County of San Francisco to Provide Additional Support
Mr. Parker advised that City officials prefer that the Museums’ request for additional
support to offset the deficits of the five year financial projections not come forward in the
form of a formal resolution. It is preferred that the Museums and the City work together to
resolve the deficit situation as part of the budget package. A proposed resolution has,
therefore, been withdrawn from consideration by the Executive Committee.
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Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
E.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Increasing Facility
Rental Rates
Facility rental fees have become an increasingly important source of revenue for the
Fine Arts Museums, totaling nearly $600,000 during the 1997-98 fiscal year. Mr. Parker
reported that the last facility rental rate increase was in November 1996. He then introduced
the following resolution, which would increase rates effective January 1, 1999 and result in
approximately $100,000 in additional annual facility rental income:
RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco does hereby approve the rental rate schedule and the guest capacities
and activity restrictions listed below with the understanding that fee income will be
payable to the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums to support museum activities;
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the new rental rates will be effective
January 1, 1999 but will apply only to future clients, who have not yet been
quoted a rental fee; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the new facility rental rates supersede
the facility rental rates adopted as Board Resolution 1217 by the Board of
Trustees at its meeting on November 7, 1996.
Rental Fees
Bookings are an exclusive FAMSF responsibility. The Director of
Museums may block out certain days, times of day and periods when rental
of an entire museum takes priority over renting areas within a museum.
Reservation confirmation deposits and balance payable terms are set by the
Director.
Fees include guards, a building engineer, custodial service, docents,
coat check and a museum representative. Additional fees, if any, will be
determined at the time of contracting.
Facility
Current
Fees
Proposed
Fees
Entire museum viewing, 2 hours
$7,500
$8,500
Entire museum viewing, 4 hours
9,500
10,500
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
E.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Increasing Facility
Rental Rates (continued)
Facility
Current
Fees
Entire museum, additional hour(s) or fraction
2,000
Maintenance deposit
Proposed
Fees
3,000
500
same
7,650
8,450
Legion entire museum plus Gallery 10
Private Dinner, 100 guests maximum,
FAMSF approved caterers only
10,500
11,000
Legion entire museum plus Court of Honor
tent site, 4 hours
25,000
same
Legion lower level viewing, 1 hour
1,500
2,000
Legion lower level viewing, 2 hours
2,500
3,000
Legion lower level viewing, 4 hours
4,500
5,000
Legion lower level, additional hour(s) or fraction
1,500
2,000
Legion Cafe & Garden, F-St eves, 4 hours
2,500
same
Legion Cafe & Garden, Sn-Th eves, 4 hours
1,500
2,500
Legion Cafe & Garden, 4 hours & 1-hour lower
level viewing, F-St eves
4,000
4,500
Legion Cafe & Garden, 4 hours & 1-hour lower
level viewing, Sn-Th eves
3,000
4,500
Legion Café & Garden additional hour(s)
1,000
1,500
500
750
de Young/Asian Combination (de Young portion)
Legion Café & Garden extended hours,
5 pm to 7 pm, limited menu
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
E.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Increasing Facility
Rental Rates (continued)
Current
Fees
Proposed
Fees
500
same
$10/guest
same
Florence Gould Theater, commercial rate, 2 hour
rehearsal & 2 hour performance including
AV charge
1,500
1,750
Florence Gould Theater, non-profit group rate,
2 hour rehearsal & 2 hour performance including
AV charge, Tu-Sn daytime
750
same
Florence Gould Theater, non-profit group rate,
2 hour rehearsal & 2 hour performance including
AV charge, Mon and eves
1,000
same
Florence Gould Theater, additional hour(s) including
AV charge
-- commercial rate
500
-- non-profit group rate
250
750
same
Florence Gould Theater, lower level hallway
in conjunction with theater rental
same
Facility
Legion Café Board Room, Tu-Sn 10am-4pm,
50 guests
Legion Café Board Room, over 50 guests
1,000
Restrictions
de Young
Capacities: entire museum -- 800 guests; Hearst Court seated dinner -- 280.
Restrictions: drinks and hors d'oeuvres allowed only in the front hall,
terrace and Hearst Court. Dinner permitted only in Hearst Court.
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
E.
Consideration and Possible Action to Adopt a Resolution Increasing Facility
Rental Rates (continued)
Legion
Capacities: entire museum -- 750 guests; lower level -- 325; cafe seated
dinner -- 205; cafe standing reception -- 245; cafe garden -- 241 (only with
cafe rental); Gould Theater -- 316 seats plus 2 companion and 3 wheelchair
spaces; lower level hallway in conjunction with Gould Theater rental -- 321
guests with fire permit.
Restrictions: drinks and hors d'oeuvres allowed only in the garden courts
(Galleries 8 and 12), the Rodin Gallery (Gallery 10) and Rosekrans Court
(without art on display). Seated meals allowed only in the Legion Café and
Gallery 10. Lower level guest access is only though the north entrance. The
main entrance and Court of Honor are reserved to clients who rent the entire
Legion. More than 325 guests requires the rental of the entire Legion.
Reservations for the lower level may be made no more than six months
before an event. Legion Cafe rental clients may either arrange food and
beverage services with the museum's concessionaire, Edible Art, or an
outside caterer, approved by the Director of Museums. If outside caterers
provide alcoholic beverages in the Café, they must pay a standard fee
approved by the Director of Museums for Edible Art to surrender its liquor
license. The cafe kitchen is off limits to outside caterers. However, access
is provided to outside caterers from the catering pantry past the kitchen to
the cafe dining room.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the above resolution. There was no
discussion among the Trustees or members of the public. It was noted that as required
by the San Francisco Charter, the December 8, 1998 edition of The Independent provided
public notice of the proposed increase in facility rental rates. The Executive Committee
then voted unanimously to approve the foregoing resolution as Board Resolution 1285.
F.
Current and Future Exhibitions
The exhibition, Picasso and the War Years: 1937-1945 at the Legion of Honor, is
exceeding attendance projections with a record 65,000 Legion visitors last month. Efforts
now focus on Impressionists in Winter: Effets de Neige, which opens at the Center for the
Arts at Yerba Buena Gardens on January 30, 1999. Invitations to the Artist’s Ball Benefit on
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
F.
Current and Future Exhibitions (continued)
January 30, 1998, celebrating the opening of Impressionists in Winter will be mailed shortly.
Mr. Parker discussed various strategies to market this exhibit at Yerba Buena Gardens,
which represents a new exhibition experience for the Museums at a downtown venue.
G.
Other Informational Items
1.
Presentation - Quantitative Summary of the Permanent Collection
Robert Futernick, Chairman of Conservation and Director of
Imaging, and Dakin Hart, Assistant to the Director
At the request of Mr. Parker, Robert Futernick, Chairman of Conservation and
Director of Imaging, presented background information leading to the development of the
computerized permanent collection database. Following the Loma Prieta earthquake in
1989, a major effort was initiated to create a database record and image for each of over
70,000 prints and drawings in the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts. In 1996, a
decision was made to extend the scope of the project to cover the entire permanent
collection. Today, 111,042 objects comprise the database. In response to a question
raised by Trustee Woods, Mr. Futernick reviewed the steps taken to address legal concerns,
noting that to date there have been no problems related to copyright issues.
Dakin Hart, Assistant to the Director, then reviewed a document entitled,
Quantitative Collection Summaries, which was distributed to the Committee. The database
is a significant management resource capable of providing valuable information regarding
the permanent collection. It now becomes possible to retrieve the following types of data by
collection (American Decorative Arts; Achenbach Foundation; Ancient, Africa, Oceania;
Americas; American Paintings; European Decorative Arts; European Paintings; History;
Oriental; and Textiles):






Acquisition Type: Purchase, Gift, Bequest, or Loan
Location: On View, Storage, or Conservation Laboratory
Documentation: Accession Number, Barcode, Primary Class, Country, Value,
Date, Image
Value: Percent Valued, Total Value, Loans Value, Objects Valued at $1 Million
or Greater, Objects Valued at $100,000 to $1 million, and Objects Valued at
$10,000 to $100,000 (values are based on curatorial estimates)
Major Classifications - Collection Totals: Primary Class (Print, Drawing,
Costume Accessory, Coin or Medal, etc.); Country, and Century
Classification: Collection by Country, Century, and Primary Class
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
1.
Presentation - Quantitative Summary of the Permanent Collection
Robert Futernick, Chairman of Conservation and Director of
Imaging, and Dakin Hart, Assistant to the Director
Mr. Parker commented that the Fine Arts Museums may be the first United States
museum to have created a collection management system with such powerful and efficient
searching and sorting capability. In response to questions raised, Mr. Parker discussed the
process by which monetary values, based on curatorial estimates, are made and the issues
associated with loans to the Museums which exceed the three year time period. The
Executive Committee recognized the potential of the system to positively impact insurance
premiums, and to assist in administering loans and setting future collection management
policy. Mr. Parker, Mr. Futernick and Mr. Hart were commended for their efforts to
develop the collection management system.
Public Comment
Members of the public may address the Executive Committee on items not on the agenda that are
within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Speakers may
address the Executive Committee for up to three minutes; the President or the Executive Committee
may limit the total time for public comment to thirty minutes. There was no public comment.
Meeting Schedule
A.
Executive Committee Meetings
Date
February 11, 1999
March 11, 1999
May 13, 1999
September 9, 1999
November 11, 1999
December 9, 1999
B.
Time
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Noon
Location
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
233 Post Street, SF
Time
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
Location
Board Room, Legion of Honor
Gallery 23, de Young Museum
Board Room, Legion of Honor
Gallery 23, de Young Museum
Board of Trustees Meetings
Date
January 14, 1999
April 8, 1999
June 10, 1999
October 14, 1999
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Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
Future Events
Date
January 19, 1999
January 28, 1999
January 30, 1999
February 3-7, 1999
February 11, 1999
February 16, 1998
March 15-19, 1999
Event
Museums Associates Trip to Los Angeles
County Museum of Art, Van Gogh’s Van Gogh:
Masterpieces from the Van Gogh Museum
Impressionists in Winter Opening
Artist’s Ball Benefit
Museum Associates Trip to the Guggenheim
Museum in New York City for the Opening of
Picasso and the War Years: 1937-1945
Victoria and Albert Opening
William Fries II Dinner
Bouquets to Art
Current and Future Exhibitions
*Exhibitions organized by FAMSF
Title
Gallery One - Exhibition for Children
Charles Jones
A Feast for the Eye: Food in Art*
Picasso and the War Years: 1937-1945*
Date
Ongoing
09/19/98-12/06/98
09/26/98-12/13/98
10/10/98-01/03/99
Selections from the Anderson Collection:
Motherwell’s A la Pintura*
Arnold Genthe
Impressionists in Winter: Effets de Neige
10/31/98-01/10/99
Selections from the Anderson Collection:
Legendary Lithography
A Grand Design: The Art of the
Victoria and Albert Museum
Bouquets to Art
Wiedersperg Collection
Youth Arts Festival
Selections from the Anderson Collection
Francis Bacon: A Retrospective
02/06/99-04/25/99
Gantner-Meyer Collection of
Aborginal Art*
Wiedersperg Collection*
Nurturing the Future: The Art and
Collection of David C. Driskell
09/18/99-01/09/00
12/19/98-03/28/99
01/30/99-05/02/99
02/13/99-05/09/99
03/15/99-03/19/99
03/27/99-10/31/99
05/05/99-05/09/99
05/01/99-07/25/99
06/13/99-08/02/99
10/00/99-04/00/00
11/20/99-02/12/00
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Museum/Gallery
de Young Gallery One
de Young 36/37
de Young 44
Legion A-F
& Rosekrans
Legion 5
de Young 36/37
Center for Arts
Yerba Buena Gardens
Legion A
Legion B-F
& Rosekrans
Legion All
de Young 28-30
de Young
Legion A
Legion B-E
& Rosekrans
Legion B-E
& Rosekrans
de Young 28-30/41
de Young 44
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Executive Committee
December 10, 1998
Adjournment - Mrs. Alfred S. Wilsey, President
There being no further business, President Wilsey adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Gough
Executive Secretary
Museums
Note: These minutes set forth all actions taken up by the Executive Committee on matters stated, but
not necessarily in the order in which the matters were considered.
Immediately following this meeting, the Corporation of The Fine Arts Museums held a meeting of its
Executive Committee.
mexfamsf9812
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