Keith Haring Drawing Ruled Authentic but Unsellable at Top Auction Houses

A Connecticut court has ruled that a Keith Haring drawing featuring flying saucers is indeed authentic. However, Christie's and Sotheby's can't auction it because the provenance isn't solid enough. Vernon Hartung, a Nevada businessman, bought the piece for $165,000 from Martin Lawrence Galleries back in 2018. When he tried to sell it through the auction houses, both turned it down, citing a lack of proper documentation. Martin Lawrence Galleries then attempted to sell it for him but received offers between $20,000 and $30,000, which Hartung felt were too low. He ended up suing the gallery for breach of contract and unfair trade practices. In May, Judge Robert L. Genuario confirmed the drawing's authenticity but ruled against Hartung, stating he couldn't prove any wrongdoing by the gallery, resulting in him having to pay the gallery's legal fees. This highlights the gap between what courts consider authentic and what auction houses require.