This is response to the question of whether the Barnes collection should
be circulating. I think it is important from a conservational point of
view that the Barnes collection is circulated. It has some works such as
Cezanne's Mont St. Victoire that are crucial in the tracing of origins of
twentieth century art. The potential water damage to these masterpieces
would have been devestating for the field of art history.
 
However, I have a lot of problems with the Barnes Foundation and its
draconian rules that have been put in place during the duration of the
tour. I can respect the fact that the Barnes did not want art students
(like myself) to sketch any of the works. However I was stopped during my
time (at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto) and told that taking
notes was prohibited. I found this to be quite preposterous considering
the critical interaction with work is crucial to the growth of any
aspiring student. And I am not even mentioning the absorbitant ticket
prices or the rampant commercialism at the A.G.O. This most likely was an
AGO initiative and I cannot blame the Barnes for that.
 
Finally I must give the AGO some kudos for their innovative methods of
labelling works. It was large enough to be appreciated but its placement
did not detract from any of the visual excitement of the pictures.