Ganesha Stele, 11th century (Pala period), India, newly acquired by Portland Art Museum
Remember the Association of Art Museum Directors’ objectless Objects Registry, created last June to disclose (to the public and potential claimants) new acquisitions by member institutions of “archaeological material and
ancient art lacking complete provenance after November 1970”?
It has, at last, posted it’s first object, courtesy of the Portland Art Museum—a stone relief stele from India (above), purchased Sept. 18 at Christie’s. The only other provenance information listed is its prior sale at Sotheby’s in 2000.
It’s a start.