FBI Searches Philadelphia-Area Gallery Linked to Notorious Collector
On Wednesday, the FBI conducted a search at Dane Fine Art located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, as part of a "court-authorized law enforcement activity." Victor Fiorillo, a senior reporter for Philadelphia magazine, observed agents entering and leaving the premises. An employee at the gallery mentioned it was "closed" for the day but was unaware of the reason. Property records link the gallery to Leslie Isen, the spouse of Nathan "Nicky" Isen, who admitted guilt in 2015 for money laundering associated with art and drug funds. Dane Fine Art showcases pieces by notable artists such as Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The gallery proceeded with an online auction on Thursday. The FBI has not revealed the purpose of the search, and ownership details remain ambiguous.
Key facts
- FBI executed a search at Dane Fine Art in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
- The FBI described the activity as 'court-authorized law enforcement activity.'
- Victor Fiorillo of Philadelphia magazine witnessed agents entering and exiting the building.
- A handwritten note on the door listed a phone number; a gallery employee said the gallery was closed for the day.
- Property records link the gallery's incorporation to a property once owned by Leslie Isen, wife of Nathan 'Nicky' Isen.
- Nathan Isen pleaded guilty in 2015 to money laundering in a scheme using art to launder drug money.
- Philadelphia magazine published a 2015 piece alleging Isen sold fake artworks, though unproven.
- Dane Fine Art's website lists works by Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, Keith Haring, Henri Matisse, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
- The gallery held an online auction on Thursday titled 'Dog Days of Summer Modern & Contemporary Sale.'
- A gallery employee said 'No comment' to ARTnews and hung up when asked about Isen's ownership.
Entities
Artists
- Andy Warhol
- Alexander Calder
- Alex Katz
- Ellsworth Kelly
- Keith Haring
- Henri Matisse
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Institutions
- FBI
- Dane Fine Art
- I. Brewster & Company
- Philadelphia magazine
- ARTnews
- CBS Philadelphia
Locations
- Ardmore
- Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia