Knoedler Faces New Suit Charging Rothko Fraud

The New York Times reports on a second suit involving the now defunct Knoedler Gallery and forged works from 20th Century American masters:

According to the new lawsuit, Domenico and Eleanore De Sole bought a Rothko painting, “Untitled 1956,” in 2004 for $8.3 million from Knoedler’s former president, Ann Freedman. A forensic analysis of the painting commissioned by the De Soles found that some of the materials and markings were “inconsistent and irreconcilable with the claim” that the painting was done by Rothko, according to the suit, which also names Ms. Freedman as a defendant.

The De Soles contend that Ms. Freedman misled them about whether “Untitled 1956” was going to be included in the definitive compendium of Rothko’s work known as the catalogue raisonné, and that she gave them a written assurance that several experts, including Rothko’s son, Christopher, had authenticated the painting when they had only briefly viewed it.

They also say that Ms. Freedman told them she personally knew the Swiss owner of the Rothko. Ms. Freedman has testified that Ms. Rosales never revealed the name of the owner to the gallery.

The De Soles say in their lawsuit that they were misled into buying “a canvas that is unsalable and worthless.”

Second Suit Accuses Knoedler Gallery of Selling Fake Art (New York Times)