An Auction House Learns the Art of Shadow Banking
Earlier, we reported on Jho Low’s money-laundering investigation. Here is a follow-up article by Katya Kazakina on how he got some of his money … auction room art loans, which seem pretty easy to get and have a lot less … More…
China’s Taikang Life Insurance reveals 13.5% stake in Sotheby’s
Taikang Life Insurance Co. has disclosed a 13.5% stake in Sotheby’s, citing a “positive view” of the auction company’s prospects as well as potential interest in a board seat. Some day, the Chinese may own everything!! Source: China’s Taikang Life … More…
A Prized Stettheimer Painting, Sold Under the Radar by a University
Susan Mulcahy notes that: Fisk University’s quiet sale of Florine Stettheimer’s “Asbury Park South” highlights the minefield institutions must navigate when they use proceeds from art. I really do not know which side of the argument to defend since both have … More…
Lucian Freud painting he denied was his is genuine and worth £300k
This is a very interesting article in the authenticity realm. The artist, Lucian Freud, denied the work’s authenticity; however that did not stop the current owner from trying to prove him wrong. Recently Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould took up … More…
Van Gogh and Monet paintings seized in 1MDB corruption investigation
It always seems to come down to greed … and this one has a lot of it! According to Agence France-Presse, Switzerland has seized a painting by Vincent Van Gogh and two others by Claude Monet as part of the global investigation … More…
Jeff Koons Lays Off Workers Amidst Reports of Unionization
According to a report by Paddy Johnson and Rhett Jones, published in Art F City, 15 works were let go from Jeff Koons’ studio in Chelsea because they planned on unionizing. I am sure legal action will ensue … so … More…
Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde works are not harmful after all
It was originally reported that the fumes from Hirst’s formaldehyde works exhibited at the Tate Modern in 2012 were putting people at risk. Pier Righetti supposedly recorded levels at five parts per million, which were in excess of the European Union … More…
Did Rembrandt TRACE his self-portraits?
Even back in the 17th century, “technology” may have played an important role in art. In the end, does it really matter? Not to me. The end result is what I am most concerned with … the journey to the end, … More…
Comments on the Art Market – Volume 188
Source: Newsletter Archives – Volume 188 of our Comments on the Art Market was just published. This month we cover our upcoming exhibitions in Nantucket and Baltimore, One Year Anniversary with Mark Daly, Stocks, Really!, The Dark Side of the Art … More…