Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

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

Portugal Determined to Sell Mirós, Blames Auction House for Withdrawn Sale

February 6, 2014 by Marion Maneker

Miro in his studio

The recriminations from the 85 withdrawn Joan Miró works that were meant to be sold earlier this week in London are already flying. Although a judge ruled the sale could go through, Christie’s chosen to postpone the sale. Now Portugal’s government has re-affirmed its desire to see the works sold:

Christie’s backed out because of a legal imbroglio in Portugal, where the opposition Socialists had lodged a challenge to the Miro auction.

Although a Portuguese court shot down the Socialists’ request on Tuesday, Christie’s decided to not go ahead after the court pointed out “irregularities” in the export of the paintings. […] Passos Coelho said Christie’s was to blame for the aborted auction, saying the firm was responsible “for organising everything”, including the export paperwork and insurance.

“With its experience, it should have taken more care,” he said.

The prime minister said Portugal was still determined to sell the paintings — with Christie’s “or maybe other auction houses” — because it was unable to maintain the multi-million-euro cost of maintaining and securing the valuable artworks.

Portugal still plans Miro art sale despite auction hitch (AFP)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Sotheby’s Solo Imp-Mod Sale in London = £148.9mSotheby’s Solo Imp-Mod Sale in London = £148.9m
  • Miró Constellation to be Sold at Sotheby’s in JuneMiró Constellation to be Sold at Sotheby’s in June
  • Artelligence Podcast: Joan Miró’s Constellations at Acquavella GalleriesArtelligence Podcast: Joan Miró’s Constellations at Acquavella Galleries
  • A Cache of Miró Works Assembled for Investment Has Become a Rallying Cry for Portuguese Socialists A Cache of Miró Works Assembled for Investment Has Become a Rallying Cry for Portuguese Socialists
  • Artelligence: Is Miró the New Picasso?Artelligence: Is Miró the New Picasso?
  • Bendor Grosvenor Worries About London’s Loss of Advantage in a Post-Brexit Art World Bendor Grosvenor Worries About London’s Loss of Advantage in a Post-Brexit Art World 

Filed Under: Artists Tagged With: Miro

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

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

  • 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
 

Loading Comments...