The renowned auction house Christie’s has suspended the sale of El Greco’s painting "Saint Sebastian" following intervention from the Romanian government. The artwork, valued between $7 million and $9 million, was set to be auctioned in New York next month but has now been withdrawn amid claims of national heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Christie’s has halted the sale of El Greco’s "Saint Sebastian" due to Romanian government intervention.
- The painting was expected to fetch between $7 million and $9 million at auction.
- Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is pursuing legal action to recover the artwork, asserting it is part of the country’s cultural patrimony.
Background of the Painting
El Greco, a 16th-century Greek artist, created "Saint Sebastian" around 1610-1614. The painting has a storied history, having been acquired by King Carol I of Romania in 1898. It was later transferred to the Royal Crown of Romania and eventually returned to King Michael in 1947 after the monarchy was abolished.
In 1976, the painting left Romania for the first time, entering a New York gallery. It was acquired by the art advisory group Giraud Pissarro Segalot in 2010, but the provenance documents do not clarify its whereabouts for the 15 years prior to the auction.
Romanian Government’s Position
The Romanian government, led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, has taken a firm stance on the matter. Ciolacu stated that the painting is part of Romania’s cultural heritage and that legal proceedings are underway to reclaim it. The government has filed legal papers in Paris, where the auction house is based, to block the sale.
Ciolacu expressed confidence in recovering the painting, emphasizing its significance to Romania’s national identity. He noted that the painting was bequeathed to the Crown of Romania with the stipulation that it would remain in the country.
Christie’s Response
In light of the Romanian government’s objections, Christie’s has decided to withdraw the painting from its upcoming auction. A spokesperson for the auction house stated, "We received an inquiry about the work. Christie’s takes these matters seriously and out of an abundance of caution is withdrawing the lot at this time. We look forward to selling this unique and spectacular work at a later date."
The auction house will retain possession of the painting while the legal situation unfolds, pausing any potential sale until at least the end of the month.
Implications for the Art Market
The withdrawal of such a high-profile piece from auction raises questions about provenance and ownership in the art market. The case highlights the complexities surrounding cultural heritage and the legal frameworks that govern art transactions. As the Romanian government pursues its claim, the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
The art world will be watching closely as this situation develops, particularly given the rarity of El Greco’s works on the market. The current record for an El Greco painting stands at approximately $13.9 million, making any potential sale of "Saint Sebastian" a significant event in the art auction calendar.
Sources
- Romania blocks Christie’s sale of Al Greco painting – The Art Insider, The Art Insider.
- Christie’s Halts El Greco Offering After Romania Objects, Artnet News.
- Christie’s pulls El Greco work from sale after Romanian government intervenes – The Art Newspaper – International art news and events, The Art Newspaper.
