Art Authentication and Attribution: Legal Frameworks and Market Practices
This article explores the legal aspects surrounding art authentication, focusing on Salvator Mundi as a prime example. In 2017, the artwork linked to Leonardo da Vinci fetched $450 million at Christie's in New York. Initially listed as School of Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio in the 1800s, it was sold for £45 at auction in 1958. After being purchased in Louisiana for $1,175 in 2005, a research team that included Martin Kemp attributed it to Leonardo for a 2011 exhibition. However, a recent finding by a scholar in Florence has raised questions about this attribution. The piece outlines the due diligence practices of auction houses and the hierarchical indicators used to assess attribution confidence, noting that disputes are typically settled through mediation. The authors are Alberto Saravalle, Silvia Stabile, Francesco Sbisà, and Manlio Frigo.
Key facts
- Salvator Mundi attributed to Leonardo da Vinci sold for $450 million at Christie's New York in 2017.
- Painting was attributed to School of Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio in the 1800s.
- Sold as Boltraffio at auction in London in 1958 for £45.
- Resold in Louisiana in 2005 for $1,175.
- Attributed to Leonardo by researchers including Martin Kemp at invitation of Nicholas Penny for 2011 National Gallery exhibition.
- Recent discovery of a sanguine drawing in Lecco by a Florence scholar challenges Leonardo attribution.
- Auction houses use indicators like 'authentic', 'attributed to', 'manner of', 'school of', 'follower of', 'copy'.
- Disputes are often resolved via mediation and arbitration rather than court litigation.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio
- Martin Kemp
- Nicholas Penny
- Alberto Saravalle
- Silvia Stabile
- Francesco Sbisà
- Manlio Frigo
Institutions
- Christie's New York
- National Gallery London
- Artribune
- BonelliErede
Locations
- New York
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- Louisiana
- Lecco
- Italy
- Florence