Romania has secured a "long-term hold" on a disputed El Greco painting, Saint Sebastian (ca. 1610–14), which was withdrawn from a Christie’s New York auction in February. Court filings have now revealed the painting’s owner to be Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, adding a new layer to the ongoing legal battle over its provenance.
Romania’s Claim and Legal Action
Romania asserts that Saint Sebastian is part of its national collection and was unlawfully removed in 1947 by King Michael I as he fled the country during the Communist ascension to power. The Romanian government has initiated litigation to recover the painting, arguing that it was illegally taken and therefore cannot be lawfully sold. The painting will remain at Christie’s New York until the legal dispute is resolved.
The Owner Revealed
Court documents have identified Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Monaco-based Russian billionaire, as the owner of the El Greco painting. Rybolovlev, known for consigning the Salvator Mundi attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, reportedly acquired Saint Sebastian in 2010 from dealer Yves Bouvier through his offshore company, Accent Delight. This revelation adds another dimension to Rybolovlev’s long-standing legal disputes with Bouvier.
Disputed Provenance
The provenance provided by Christie’s stated that ownership transferred to King Michael I in 1947 "with the accord of the Romanian government." However, the Romanian Finance Ministry has vehemently denied this, stating there is no record of any valid agreement for the transfer of ownership. They claim Christie’s provenance records are "misleading" for omitting Bouvier’s involvement and suggesting a direct acquisition from another dealer.
Key Takeaways
- Romania has secured a "long-term hold" on the El Greco painting, Saint Sebastian.
- The painting was withdrawn from a Christie’s New York auction due to Romania’s claim.
- Court filings confirm Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev as the owner.
- Romania alleges the painting was unlawfully removed from its national collection in 1947.
- The Romanian Finance Ministry disputes Christie’s provenance, stating no valid accord for transfer of ownership exists.
Christie’s has stated they are holding the painting while the involved parties resolve the legal dispute. The painting had been estimated to sell for between $7 million and $9 million.
Sources
- Romania Claims El Greco Painting Owned by Dmitry Rybolovlev—And More Art Industry News, Artnet News.
- Romania Secures Hold On ‘Stolen’ El Greco Painting, ARTnews.com.
- Romania Wins ‘Hold’ on El Greco, Arnaldo Pomodoro Dead, and More, ARTnews.com.
- Romania secures hold on ‘stolen’ El Greco as court filings reveal Dmitry Rybolovlev is its owner, The Art Newspaper.
