The directors of the New Orleans and Indianapolis Museums of Art have been having a very enjoyable trash talking dialogue back and forth about the losing city offering a piece of art to the winning city. The messages have been routinely enjoyable and will certainly offer better trash talk than either team. A few samples I liked:

Indy: “We’re already spackling the wall where the NOMA loan will hang,”

New Orleans: “Max Anderson must not really believe the Colts can beat the Saints in the Super Bowl. Otherwise why would he bet such an insignificant work as the Ingrid Calame painting?”

And my personal fave from New Orleans: “I am amused that Renoir is too sweet for Indianapolis. Does this mean that those Indiana corn farmers have simpler tastes? If so why would Max offer us that gaudy Chalice — just looks like another over-elaborate Victorian tchotchke.”

They settled on a bet, with New Orleans offering up a Claude Lorrain painting for loan and Indy meeting that with a JMW Turner painting. I have to admit, this bet might be the funnest thing about the Superbowl this year.

Last 5 posts by Ezra

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