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Sotheby's auction of $180m Van Gogh challenged over claims it was 'sold under duress'

Sotheby's auction of $180m Van Gogh challenged over claims it was 'sold under duress'

Sotheby's says it will work with the heirs of a family who had previously owned the artwork to try and reach a solution.

Auction house Sotheby's says it is working to resolve a dispute over the intended sale of a painting by Vincent van Gogh.

Châtaigniers en Fleurs, which carries an estimate of $180m (£136m), is due to go under the hammer in New York on Wednesday.

But representatives acting for heirs of the Fischer family - earlier German owners of the work - say it may have been sold under duress during the rise of the Nazis.

Sotheby's say its own "extensive research" has not established this, but say they will work with the family to try and reach a solution.

"Sotheby's takes provenance and restitution matters extremely seriously and has undertaken extensive research into the ownership history of Châtaigniers en fleurs," Sotheby's told the BBC in a statement.

"We are aware of the concerns recently raised by representatives of the Fischer heirs and have been in dialogue with them regarding the painting's history.

"While our research to date has not established that the painting was sold under duress, we recognize the importance of engaging thoughtfully and constructively with the family and are committed to working toward a mutually satisfactory resolution."

The painting - whose name translates as Blossoming Chestnut Trees - is being sold as part of a set called the Blaquier-Arrieta Collection.

In brief

Auction house Sotheby's says it is working to resolve a dispute over the intended sale of a painting by Vincent van Gogh. But representatives acting for heirs of the Fischer family - earlier German owners of the work - say it may have been sold under duress during the rise of the Nazis. "Sotheby's takes provenance and restitution matters extremely seriously and has undertaken extensive research into the ownership history of Châtaigniers en fleurs," Sotheby's told the BBC in a statement.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to BBC News — World. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at BBC News — World ↗

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