jstrubberg wrote:Obscene? Try taking a walk through the Vatican museum sometime. The catholic church could singlehandedly wipe out hunger on the planet if they wanted to. That's not a jab at religion or catholocism, it's a simple fact as to how much wealth is housed there.
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Most of the art in the Vatican is only curated by it....donated or bought with the intent of sharing with generations. Not as investment pieces or status symbols. Is it worth a lot? Yes. Is it selfishly hoarded? No.
To chances are this Picasso will disappear into a private collection and never be seen again publicly. Private collectors aren't usually about sharing their toys. Movie memorabilia and classic cars are the same way. I've seen beautiful pieces at auction being sad by the fact they will disappear forever, at a price I know I will never afford.
Who's more selfish, the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church founded by Christ, that preserves, protects and displays much of the great beauty they care for, or a private collector who pays ridiculous sums of money, then hoards it away from public eyes...just so he can say "my precious..."