Putting a Price on Cultural Treasures

Re “A Heritage for Sale,” Commentary, June 6: The arts have always depended on the patronage of the rich. John Balzar’s blind anger at the participation of the wealthy in the Smithsonian’s exhibits ignores the fact that because the government realistically will never patronize the arts directly on any appreciable scale, donations from those he criticizes make the preservation of our cultural heritage possible.

For example, the owner of Gilbert Stuart’s famous “Lansdowne” portrait of George Washington recently threatened to sell it at auction. This picture, which may be seen on every $1 bill in circulation, is as integral a part of American cultural history as the original “Star-Spangled Banner.” Thanks to the donation of a foundation run by wealthy people like the ones Balzar attacks, this portrait is now the property of the American people and is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection. I would much rather see rich people satisfy their egos through token exhibits, galleries and nameplates than see works like Stuart’s portrait sold to the highest bidder.

Erik Gunderson

Manhattan Beach

Thank you, John Balzar, for giving the public the truth about the Smithsonian. Unfortunately, integrity is not a valued personality trait that our country recognizes. Somehow, this society of ours is giving homage to the selfish and ignoring the honest people. I do not value or appreciate that theory nor do I wish to belong to their organization.

Helen Tanguis

Baton Rouge, La.