The Knoedler / Freedman / De Sole trial is set to begin today … I know that everyone in the art world will be watching. We will keep you posted as news becomes available.
The part I find very interesting is that the: filings on behalf of Ms. Freedman and Knoedler say the De Soles were sophisticated buyers who failed to exercise appropriate due diligence when purchasing the supposed Rothko—for example, by not contacting anyone on a list of experts that Knoedler said had viewed the work. I have to say that one of the many reasons people like the De Soles (who I met many years ago when they acquired a few works from us) buy from a gallery is because the gallery is supposed to take care of all the ‘due diligence’. While we do not know all the facts in the case, on the surface this appears to be another instance of greed rearing its ugly head. To read more of Jennifer Smith’s article in the WSJ, click HERE.
Counterfeit Mark Rothko bought by De Sole