On the eve of its centennial celebrations in December; 1969; the Boston Museum of Fine Arts announced the acquisition of an unknown and uncatalogued painting attributed to Raphael. Bostons coup made headlines around the world. Soon afterward; an Italian art sleuth began investigating the details of the paintings export from Italy; challenging the museums right to ownership. Simultaneously; experts on both sides of the Atlantic lined up to debate its very authenticity. While these contests played themselves out on the international stage; the crisis deepened within the museum as its charismatic director; Perry T. Rathbone; faced the most challenging crossroads of his thirty-year career. The Boston Raphael was a media sensation in its time; but the full story of the forces that converged on the museum and how they intersected with the challenges of the Sixties is now revealed in full detail by the directors daughter. In her quest for the true story behind this pivotal event in her fathers life; Belinda Rathbone digs into the background of the affair as it was reported in the popular press; both questioning the inevitability of its outcome and revealing the power struggle within the museum that led to his resignation. She draws almost entirely from primary source material in various archival collections and over a hundred contemporary and personal interviews. The book is lavishly illustrated with full-color plates and many previously unpublished photographs.
#2332889 in eBooks 2015-01-22 2015-01-22File Name: B00SM1WSSQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Diego Gets a Wonderful Moving Portrait in this Terrific Biography.By Lynn EllingwoodThis book is written poetry and that scared me off a little bit. I am not the biggest poetry reader but this book was very easy to read and was a pleasure. The poetry is written in free verse and is not a difficult read. The story and the writing is interesting and many students will enjoy it too. I liked the book very much.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. conroversial artistBy RamonaI loved this book because he described himself in his poetry and then at the end; there was biographical data to back up the poetry. He told his beliefs in politics and made a difference in the world around him with his art. I never realized the impact that art could have on society.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Alycegreat for young children
