I see it as a feeble attempt on France's part, as you also semi-implied, and the expanded explanation that is actually present at the museum talks about the various struggles to find funding, etc. in order to "amend historical wrongs."  In any case, despite my general skepticism, I agree that if this is indeed a result of the exhibit--- great.

I did a LOT of reflecting re: this exhibit's cultural and political context.  I maintan that much of the art owned by these families in particular didn't showcase much other than wealth.  It didn't speak volumes about impending doom, it didn't show any sort of artistic expression of the times (historically, politically or otherwise) other than in a very simplistic way.  It is possible to analyze collections of art without fabricating themes of substance that simply aren't there.

Cori C

http://cori-c.blogspot.com 

coriac@gmail.com