The State of an Estate

The incomparable Maurice Sendak

On Tuesday, the New York Times published an article regarding the dispute over Maurice Sendak’s estate and rare book collection (“Sendak’s Estate: Debating Where the Things Go,” December 2, 2014). Essentially, there is a dispute between the Rosenbach and the estate (executed by Sendak’s long-term caretaker, assistant, and friend Lynn Caponera) over the late-writer’s extensive colletcion (both of his own work and of rare collected works). The estate has withdrawn about 10,000 works from several institutions, the Rosenbach chief among them, in order to house the works at the museum/study center planned by Sendak before his death at his manse in Ridgefield, CT. The Rosenbach asserts that those works were intended for its collection by the author, while the estate believes it was his wish to house his collection in the museum planned for his home.

Without seeing the legal documents of the case, what really draws me in to this debate is the picture painted of Ms. Caponera– and of Connecticut. Both are treated in the article– and by those opposing the estate’s decision– as well-meaning, but, frankly, simpletons. It is mentioned in the article that Ms. Caponera came from a “working class” family, who “did not attend college.” While these statements may be seen as mere identifiers, the subtext they refer to is driven home by the idea that the Rosenbach has “concerns about the ability of Ms. Caponera, 54, …(who has) no formal business training, to shepherd a complex philanthropic foundation worth tens of millions of dollars.” And as for the museum/study center that Sendak himself helped plan:

“I really don’t know who’s going to go there,” said Judy Taylor Hough, Mr. Sendak’s longtime British editor. “It’s in the middle of nowhere.”

It’s pretty obvious what they’re saying: Ms. Caponera is an outsider. Despite the fact that she worked for Mr. Sendak for over 30 years (from the time she was 19), despite the fact that he named her executor (believing she would do what is best for his estate), or that she was known by those closest to him as “(his) daughter” (see Letter to the Editor by Gregory Nelson, December 2, 2014); ultimately what comes into question during matters of this nature is her professional resume. And there’s a stigma against any player in the world of art and collecting that hasn’t gone through the traditional breeding that that world requires. In so many words, Ms. Caponera is an unreliable narrator to the legacy of Sendak, because how could a “working-class” woman understand the complexities of managing an estate? And in Connecticut? Don’t they consider that dogs-playing-poker scene as high art? What do they know?

This is a sentiment that, as a Nutmegger who happens to be a creative professional, I’ve heard across the board when I mention that our gallery is in Connecticut. Despite its riches, Connecticut is often viewed as a wasteland when it comes to culture. While I understand some of the reasons behind this, it is an absolute misnomer. Ridgefield, where Sendak spent most of his life, is a beautiful town, filled with white-steepled churches, historic farms, and traditional New England homes. However, it is also home to a contemporary art museum, wonderful bookstore, countless shops and activities, and some of the best schools in the country. Many writers, entrepreneurs, actors, and magnates have called the region home. What I think is happening here, in the heart of this debate, is a division of power within the collecting world, and the process of exclusion. I see it relating to our own endeavors in business as, each time we mention our gallery’s address, we’re met with skepticism. It’s something we, as creatives, continue to battle as we prove ourselves to our peers. I see Ms. Caponera will have to have a similar battle on a much larger scale.

Like most people my age, Sendak has a very special place in my heart, and I hope to bring his sense of curiosity into my own home as we raise our little bean. In fact, I found a first edition copy of Swine Lake for her Christmas gift (though, I probably won’t let her touch it until she’s 16). I’ll be watching this as it develops, and just hope within my heart that his true wishes are honored.