While there are new incentives for selling rather than donating art, it also makes financial sense to give the public a good look.

While lending works throughout the world, it also donates art to museums across the United States.

In a recent court filing, the museum's lawyers made much the same point, writing that, "publicity could deter benefactors from donating art to the museum."

He donates art to benefits to support the Vermont Land Trust.

He also donated art to more than 40 other U.S. museums.

Others have donated art over the years, but about two-thirds of the department's collection is on loan from museums, galleries and corporate and private collections.

The Pinis donated original art for the fundraising campaign, and lent an original dress to the production.

Indeed, only a few states have laws enabling estates to donate art to state museums instead of paying taxes.

Throughout his life, Boydell dedicated time to civic projects: he donated art to government institutions and ran for public office.

Ackerman established a foundation to donate art in the millions of dollars.