Christie’s Sued, Allegedly Misidentifies a Titian

David Dickson and his sister Susan Priestley, who unearthed Titian’s alleged painting, Salome with the Head of St John the Baptist, in their family home 20 years ago, accused Christie’s of breach of duty or negligence. They claimed that fine art experts at Christie’s failed in their commitment to competently “research and advise” on the painting’s value when it was put up for auction with a guide price of £8,000-£12,000 in 1993. The paingint was subsequently put up for sale by Sotheby’s for a guide price of $4- $6 million after being identified as a Titian original.  According to The Telegraph, “the two parties reached a settlement in principle. The terms of the proposed settlement were not disclosed.”

Tags: art authentication, Art Law, painting