Art: Treasure and Trespasses

In size, scope and excellence of quality, the Robert Lehman Collection —now ensconced in a special wing of New York's Metropolitan Museum and soon to be seen by the public—was the last of its kind. It was started 70 years ago by the investment banker Philip Lehman, head of Lehman Brothers; his son developed it into a great private collection along the legendary pattern of the Morgan or the Frick. It ranges from Renaissance pottery and medieval acquamanilia (water vessels) to Rembrandts, El Grecos and an astounding collection of more than 1,000 14th-19th...

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