Two years ago, Herbert Axelrod was known as a selfless philanthropist and a hero to mid-Atlantic arts groups. These days, he is painted as a villain who played fast and loose with the tax code and defrauded an orchestra. Reality may lie somewhere in between. “Axelrod, 77, is a big-time donor in the arts sector, which last time I checked is not exactly overflowing with big-time donors. The arts community will be counting the days until his release, all too happy to help Axelrod rehabilitate his reputation… After all, it is possible to have a fabulous way with vintage wallpaper and have participated in obstruction of justice. It is possible to have been a star football player and have murdered (probably) your wife. In fact, it’s likely. Life is complex.