The Raphael Sassi Preservation Trust is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: #33-4436475. All Stewards must sign the Stewardship Agreement.
Preserving Raphael Sassi’s Legacy for the Public through the Stewardship Program
The Raphael Sassi Preservation Trust Stewardship Program is a unique initiative designed to further the Trust’s charitable mission of promoting the arts and educating the public through the legacy of Raphael Sassi. Because the safe storage and long-term preservation of his work are essential to this mission, the Trust relies on dedicated Stewards to help protect these cultural treasures for generations to come.
Unlike a traditional art sale, participants in our program bid in an auction for the exclusive right to enroll as a Steward for a specific artwork. Winning this auction does not transfer ownership, legal title, or personal use rights. Instead, the winning bidder earns the honor and responsibility of taking physical custody of the artwork, holding it as a steward on behalf of the public in a way that forever publicly recognizes and celebrates their important contribution.
Public Recognition for Your Stewardship
When the artwork is displayed in an approved public location, your vital commitment to preserving Raphael Sassi’s legacy will be prominently recognized. The Trust ensures your contribution is celebrated in the following ways:
- Museum-Quality Placard: A credit placard will be displayed on or adjacent to the artwork acknowledging your stewardship. It will formally read “Stewardship by [Your Name]”.
- Optional Dedications: If requested, the placard can also include a special dedication, such as “In Honor of [Name of Honoree]”.
- Exhibition Materials: Where practicable, your stewardship will be acknowledged in associated materials, such as exhibition checklists, catalogs, press releases, and digital pages, during any Trust-organized public showings while the artwork is in your custody.
- Privacy Respected: For those who prefer a quieter role, the Trust fully respects your privacy and will list your stewardship as “Anonymous” upon your written request.
The Responsibilities of a Steward
Stewards are vital partners in conservation, entrusted to exercise the highest standard of care customary for fine art. As a Steward, you will be responsible for, with the assistance of the Trust:
- Housing the artwork at an approved public location whenever possible, consistent with the Trust’s public benefit objectives.
- Maintaining a stable, climate-controlled environment with strict temperature (68-72°F) and relative humidity (45-55%) parameters.
- Protecting the piece from direct sunlight at all times using UV-filtered lighting.
- Ensuring the artwork is secured within alarmed premises and hung using professional-grade mounting systems.
How the Trust Supports You
The Trust works hand-in-hand with Stewards to guarantee the perpetual safety of the art. Before you take custody, the Trust will encapsulate or house the artwork using preventive, non-invasive, museum-standard conservation methods tailored to the piece. The Trust can also play a role in finding a suitable area that can publicly display the piece, if requested. Additionally, the Trust will provide a written certificate of authenticity on behalf of The Estate of Raphael Sassi to maintain the artwork’s provenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I own the artwork if I win the auction?
- No. Legal and equitable title to the artwork remains at all times with the Trust. As a winning bidder, you are granted a limited right of custody and display in a way that publicly recognizes and celebrates your contribution, forever. You hold the artwork as a steward on behalf of the public.
Do I need to purchase insurance for the artwork?
- No. Because the artwork is considered culturally significant and inherently irreplaceable, no amount of money could adequately replace it. Therefore, the Trust does not require Stewards to maintain insurance coverage. Instead, Stewards are required to strictly comply with all handling, security, and environmental preservation standards as an essential condition of custody.
How does the artwork get transported to my approved location?
- The artwork must be transported exclusively by qualified fine art handlers with the assistance of the Trust. It will be packed using its original packing materials or equivalent museum-quality, archival packing designed to protect it during transit.
What is the “Recall Process” and why might the Trust need the artwork back for a certain period?
- The Trust may recall the artwork at any time to further its charitable purposes, such as for public exhibitions, scholarly study, conservation, or inventory. For standard recalls, the Trust will provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice. The Trust can also initiate an immediate emergency recall if there is an imminent risk to the artwork, such as a fire, flood, theft, or environmental control failure.
Who pays for the costs if the artwork is recalled?
- In a standard recall, the Trust will bear the costs of transportation. However, if an urgent recall is required because a Steward failed to comply with their conservation or environmental obligations, the Steward will be responsible for all retrieval and related conservation expenses.
Can I clean or reframe the artwork?
No. Stewards may not restore, reframe, or alter the artwork without prior written consent from the Trust. Cleaning is strictly limited to light dusting of the frame or glazing using a soft, dry cloth. No solvents, sprays, liquids, or cleaning agents of any kind may be used.