Please note, a version of this article appears in the June issue of Apollo Magazine, to which I occasionally contribute.  

Topics: Andy Warhol Foundation, Keith Haring Foundation, Mayor Gallery Ltd, United Kingdom, Agnes Martin Catalogue Raisonné, AMCR, Authentication, Abstract Expressionist, Calder Foundation, Day & Night, The Invisible

For several years the topic of litigation against appraisers and authenticators has been a controversial issue, causing a number of artists’ foundations and independent professionals to refrain from giving opinions for fear of litigation, even in which they eventually prevail.  A new lawsuit against the Agnes Martin Authentication Committee underscores the importance of a pending bill in New York to shield such authenticators from liability, and the problems inherent in the status quo.  This lawsuit appears likely headed for failure just like every other similar authentication lawsuit, but that will come as cold comfort to the defendants years hence.

Topics: authentication, catalogue raisonné, Alexander Calder, Keith Haring Foundation, New York City Bar Association, connoisseurship, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Mayor Gallery Ltd, Agnes Martin, Peter Doig