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THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1939.

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MASTERPIECES AT THE FAIR

Art, except in so far as it was "functional," started lamely at the World's Fair.  It now appears that, the appeal of art in all its phases may be the crowning glory of the entire exposition.  The announcement that a magnificent collection of 500 timeless masterpieces is to be housed in its own building may focus the eyes of the world more appreciatively on Flushing Meadows than the news of any other single exhibit would do.

The collection has been assembled through the indefatigable efforts of a private and anonymous group known as Art Associates, Inc., who have underwritten the cost of the enterprise.  The Fair authorities are supplying the site on which the Museum is rising.  Great collections here and abroad are sending some of their choicest treasures.  If the quality of works already listed is maintained, the exhibition will be one of the most representative ever assembled anywhere.  It will cover the entire history of European art from the first, faint twilight before the dawn of the Renaissance into the nineteenth century.  A value of $30,000,000 is set on the collection, but the figure is meaningless, of course, for the paintings are priceless and irreplaceable.  Their majestic panorama will form an inspiring supplement to the exhibition of contemporary American art already arranged for.  The public at the Fair will have an opportunity to absorb the beauty of the ages to an extent never dreamed of when the first plans were laid.
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