The principals of the Barnsdall Museum of Art have made the decision to auction several works from its permanent collection in order to fund a renovation of the museum’s entryway, restaurant, and children’s art center. Although this course of action might seem surprising, the museum’s director claims that this action will not weaken the quality of the museum’s collection because the works to be auctioned are those that are considered early in the career's of the artists and therefore unrepresentative of the styles that the artists later gained prominence for. For example, the museum will auction an early work by Jackson Pollock of a man done in a more conventional technique as opposed to his legendary drip technique.

Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the museum director’s claim?