The Dutch national collection, along with five museums, are turning to eBay to auction off 1,000 paintings, statues and other items no longer wanted. However, the online fire sale is drawing the ire of some artists.

The Institute Collection Netherlands (ICN) says the auction, to be held until October is the first of such magnitude. The goal is to find a new home for artwork the museums say are "artistic merit and historic significance."

Painter Robert Kruzdlo objected to his "Fear and Powerlessness of the Third World War" being offered for $279.91 on eBay. "I did not paint rubbish," he told the AFP.

The ICN plans to sell another 3,000 artworks through eBay at a later time. The organization controls about 10,000 pieces of Dutch artwork.