Robert Rauschenberg: 1925-2008

An homage to the passing of Robert Rauschenberg, American Artist and visionary, who taught us that the doors of perception are not just at museum entrances but anywhere we train our eyes to see. Rauschenberg was active in trying to move the United States to adopt "droit de suite," literally “right of follow,” which would give painters and sculptors continuing royalty payments when their works are resold, a system in place in most of Europe and much like the way musicians and songwriters in this country receive royalties when their works are replayed or rerecorded. Rauschenberg supposedly began this crusade after Robert Scull sold Thaws, which he purchased in 1958 for $800, for $85,000 in 1973. (The work is probably worth seven figures today.) Rauschenberg told Scull “I’ve been working my ass off just for you to make that profit,” and never spoke to the collector again.