William Merritt Chase's portrait of William B. Dickson

The Montclair Art Museum has withdrawn a portrait of William B. Dickson from an upcoming Christie's sale that was opposed by Dickson's grandchildren, according to the blog Baristanet.

The portrait of Dickson, a Montclair "businessman and civic leader," is by William Merritt Chase and was donated to the museum by Dickson's children in 1976.

Montclair Director Lora Urbanelli said the museum could not find any Dickson descendants before deciding to sell the piece at auction. Had the museum reached Dickson's grandson William Ware earlier and discovered his objections, the painting would not have gone to Christie’s, she said.

Urbanelli added that the painting has not been on view for a long time, which is why it was put up for sale.