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FOR decades, leaders of the Norton Simon Museum balked at the advice of Dean Martin and assorted other sages who sang of what it takes to reap the glory of love: "You've got to give a little, take a little."
Now, after keeping its trove of European Old Masters and Impressionists to itself for more than 30 years by nearly always refusing to lend them to other institutions, the Pasadena museum is loosening up in a way that might have pleased Martin.
The Frick Collection in New York is the latest beneficiary of the Simon's decision to give a little for the glory of art -- with an expectation of taking a little in return.
The Frick recently began promoting an exhibition opening Oct. 28 titled "Masterpieces of European Painting From the Norton Simon Museum." The five 16th and 17th century works headed east for three months are New Testament-inspired scenes by Peter Paul Rubens, Jacopo Bassano and Bartolome Esteban Murillo; a still life by Francisco de Zurbaran; and a large portrait by Guercino of a sturdy-looking dog.
In return, Southern California museum-goers can expect to see a choice morsel from the Frick, perhaps in 2009 -- and before that, probably in 2008, a select piece from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the other museum with which the Simon has struck an open-ended agreement to give and take.
For the Norton Simon Museum, the five paintings heading to...