Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

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

Knoedler Forgery Trial Opens Monday

January 22, 2016 by Marion Maneker

Rothko forgery

The Wall Street Journal is gearing up for Monday’s trial of Domenico de Sole’s claims against Knoedler and Ann Freedman over the forged Mark Rothko painting de Sole bought from Knoedler and whether Freedman and Knoedler should have known the work was fake. One question that must be resolved is whether experts validated these works. Pepe Karmel, associate professor in the art-history department at New York University, was one of the scholars buyers were told had seen and inspected the works:

“I passed through the gallery when they had some would-be Pollocks there,” he said, but didn’t venture an opinion, adding that he doesn’t know whether Ms. Freedman was aware the works were counterfeit.

These days, he said, “No art historian in his or her right mind will give a public or even a private opinion about authenticity, because you can be sued.”

At this point, it is impossible to tell whether Professor Karmel is stating what took place or protecting himself in retrospect. The pervasive fear of offering an opinion on a work’s authenticity is a bit of an anachronism in 2004 when the Rothko was sold to de Sole.

Art-Forgery Trial Set to Begin  (WSJ)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Ford Foundation Gives $3m to African Art MuseumFord Foundation Gives $3m to African Art Museum
  • Frieze Hopes WME-IMG Investment Will Lead to Virtual Reality Expanding Access to ArtFrieze Hopes WME-IMG Investment Will Lead to Virtual Reality Expanding Access to Art
  • Score One for the RussiansScore One for the Russians
  • Sotheby’s American Art = $27.6mSotheby’s American Art = $27.6m
  • Christie’s Imp Mod Wrap UpChristie’s Imp Mod Wrap Up
  • Qatar in ContextQatar in Context

Filed Under: General

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...