Art collection may be moved

The Barnes Foundation, embroiled in a yearlong financial and management controversy, has edged closer to moving its eminent collection of Post-Impressionist and early modern paintings into Philadelphia.

The executive committee of Lincoln University, the institution that nominates the majority of the Barnes board, agreed Friday to support the move. Bernard C. Watson, president of the Barnes Foundation, called the decision “really important.”

The collection of works by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Seurat, Renoir and others is currently housed in the suburb of Merion, but the foundation wants to move it to a downtown cultural district.

Two steps remain before the move can proceed. The full board of Lincoln University must ratify the agreement this weekend, and -- because the move would violate the late Albert C. Barnes’ will -- the plan requires approval by the Montgomery Orphans’ Court, which is expected to consider the petition in December.

-- Louise Roug