Partner William L. Charron Quoted on the Auction of Disputed Schiele Works
Partner William L. Charron, a member of Pryor Cashman’s Litigation Group and co-chair of the firm’s Art Law practice, was quoted in The New York Times article, “Dispute Over Nazi Victim’s Art.”
The article addresses the impending sale of two art works by the Austrian Expressionist Egon Schiele, each slated for auction by Christie’s and Sotheby’s in New York.
Both pieces have been subject to litigation as the heirs of Fritz Grunbaum, a Viennesse cabaret performer who purportedly owned these among other Schiele works, have claimed the art was looted by the Nazis and they should be compensated. Though backed by U.S. federal court decisions, with no set rules on how to handle the sale of works, each auction house has chosen its own course.
Christie’s will sell their Schiele’s watercolor with a restitution agreement that provides compensation to the heirs. Sotheby’s, who is selling “Seated Woman with Bent Left Leg,” does not include this agreement. Charron, who represents owner David Bakalar, stated that the arguments brought forth by the heirs “were aired thoroughly in the courts.”
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
