Given what is on show, it is amazing to discover from the catalog what works were omitted: Hans Hofmann, James Rosenquist, Ed Ruscha, Anthony Caro, and Nam June Paik are just some of the big name artists who fell by the wayside. And it is deeply disappointing that no room was found for Hyman Bloom’s extraordinary “Corpse of an Elderly Male.’’ Bloom died earlier this year. This was a chance to put one of his signature paintings on display, at a time when every other New England museum with Blooms in its collection has failed to do so.
Rose Art Museum display justifies the passions
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The quality of the Rose’s collection is beyond doubt. What is still in doubt is whether Brandeis will sell any of it. If it does, as Dawes acknowledges, the decision would have consequences.
The Rose, if it continues to function as a museum, would almost certainly be excommunicated from the community of other art museums for breaching a code against selling works (unless it is for the purpose of buying other art). It could be unable to secure loans of work from other museums. This would have a huge impact on its ability to mount exhibitions, and on its ability to attract a replacement director, if it seeks to do so.
It is incredible that this whole crisis occurred in the first place. More incredible, in the light of this extraordinary show, is the fact that the Rose remains in a state of limbo.
“The Rose at Brandeis: Works From the Collection’’ is at the Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Waltham, through May 23. 781-736-3434, www.brandeis.edu/rose.
Sebastian Smee can be reached at ssmee@globe.com.
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