Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Chicago Art Dealer Sentenced to Six Months

October 2, 2013 by Marion Maneker

The Chicago Tribune tells the story of fallen art dealer Alan Kass who defrauded numerous buyers, including Cathy Quainton:

“There was no reason to think something was wrong,” said Quainton, who wound up buying about 15 pieces from the gallery for more than a combined $14,000. “Now I know better.”

On Tuesday, nearly six years after federal authorities raided the gallery in the 300 block of West Huron Street, Kass was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to spend an additional six months on home confinement for selling phony artwork to hundreds of unsuspecting buyers like Quainton.

Federal prosecutors had sought about five years in prison, but U.S. District Judge Charles Kocoras said he took into account Kass’ recent health problems in fashioning a more lenient sentence. Kass turns 76 Wednesday.

“You have stained the art industry … and for that you have to pay some punishment,” said the judge, who also ordered Kass to pay $350,000 in restitution to wronged customers.

Kass and two associates, including a New York distributor still awaiting sentencing, were indicted in 2011 as part of a sweeping investigation into international art fraud that eventually ensnared a dozen defendants.

Gallery owner who sold fake art gets 6 months prison, 6 months home confinement (Chicago Tribune)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Sotheby’s Mellon Sale = $158,737,250Sotheby’s Mellon Sale = $158,737,250
  • European Austerity Leaves Art Exposed to PredatorsEuropean Austerity Leaves Art Exposed to Predators
  • Speculation Lives!Speculation Lives!
  • Surprising NumbersSurprising Numbers
  • Cover Lot Commentary: Peter DoigCover Lot Commentary: Peter Doig
  • Peter Brant Defends HimselfPeter Brant Defends Himself

Filed Under: Fraud, Theft & Restitution

About Marion Maneker

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

Top Posts

  • Keith Haring’s 1989 Retrospect Comes to Sotheby’s London Prints Sale
  • British Modernists Draw Deep Bidding in Christie's $42 M. London Sales
  • Tony Podesta's Secret Art Buying
  • Four of Picasso's Women Valued at $28m Come to Christie's from Rose-Walters Collection
  • Roy Lichtenstein’s Top Ten Auction Prices
  • $10 M. Picasso Portrait Unseen for Decades to Sell at Bonhams
  • How to Chant Like an Auctioneer
  • Norman Rockwell's Not Gay. But Is He a Great Artist?
  • Sotheby's Celebrates Bauhaus's Centenary with 25 Works in Imp-Mod Sales
  • Collection of Texas Heiress Anne Marion Expected to Fetch $150 M. at Sotheby’s
  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor