Finding a long lost treasure is headline material. Should the trove be a multi-million dollar painting by a master, it generates additional press coverage and ratings. A version of Judith Beheading Holofernes discovered in a Toulouse attic is being attributed to Caravaggio. il mistero del Caravaggio ritrovato in soffitta (La Repubblica) click Caravaggio Masterpice (ArtInfo) click “Lost Caravaggio Causes […]
A Nazi-looted Modigliani was seized from the Geneva Freeport in the collection of Edmond Safra’s cousin David Nahmad. That heaven of anonymity was also the site of the “Bouvier affair,” an art world scandal involving an art handler turned dealer, a Russian oligarch, secret bank accounts, and even a Leonardo. Yves Bouvier, “the king of the freeports,” […]
Le Monde and Conaissance des arts tell the story of a Modigliani sold by Christie’s and purchased by a marchand and collector cousin of Edmond Safra. The Nazis stole the work from Jewish art dealer Oscar Stettiner. The Nahmad family, alleged owners, represented to US authorities that the painting was part of the assets of IAC, an […]
No major quest for transparency or accountability will come about as result of the Panama Papers. The financial world system protects a power structure immune from investigation and legal repercussions.
English taxpayers have graciously agreed to contribute $30 million as a wedding present to Prince William and Kate Middleton. The country meanwhile has implemented austerity measures. This sum comes in addition to the nearly $13 million the monarchy receives in public funds. What do the English receive from the Crown? Entertainment, elaborate spectacles, pump and […]
UPDATE The marriage of Thi Nga Goldman (TiNa, her childhood name in Chatelet) to Miami lawyer Steven Goldman has ended. Court records indicate that the partner at Greenberg Traurig has filed for divorce. GOLDMAN, STEVEN E VS TANG TON, THI-NGA CONG -2011-000030-FC-04 -132011DR000030A001CH -N/A FC17 (Section, FC 17) DOM 01/03/2011. While the divorce of […]
The Imperial Downfall of the Bass Museum A Simulacrum of Feudal Order in a City of Delusion The alleged princess and philanthropist Dolores Ziff Hollywood made it to SoBe. A polychromatic elephant parade moved down Collins Avenue, the production of a princess, the Bass Museum and the City of Miami Beach. There were “Gifts of […]
