Art's Fattest Wallet

It is hard to feel sorry for a man who has just been handed the job of running what is arguably the richest art gallery in the world. The abrupt departure of Deborah Gribbon, his predecessor in the post, ten months ago with complaints about “broad philosophical differences” with the board, amid mutterings about cuts in the acquisitions budget and a “toxic atmosphere” at the museum. There has even been criticism from the US Senate’s finance committee on the role played by Barry Munitz, the chief executive and president. He is under investigation by the California attorney-general’s office over allegations that his use of first-class air travel, his $72,000 Porsche sports car and $1.2 million (£668,000) salary package represent an abuse of the Getty’s charitable tax status. And if that was not enough, before Brand takes up his post in January there is a criminal trial in Italy of the Getty’s head of antiquities to be resolved... For the full story - click the title Irish Art