Family challenges church’s sale of Eakins portrait
Descendants of Msgr. Patrick Garvey are challenging the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s plans to sell a portrait of Garvey painted by Thomas Eakins.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that former federal prosecutor Robert E. Goldman is helping the family and says that the seminary does not own the portrait from 1902. He says that the portrait was given to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary to be exhibited, not sold.
The Archdiocese announced plans in March to sell part of the art collection at its St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, including five portraits by Eakins.
Archdiocese spokesman Ken Gavin says the portrait was given to the seminary by Garvey’s nephew.
Church officials said they plan to use the money to help overhaul the seminary’s St. Charles’ Main Line campus.
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