Art Crime Final (Written Portion)

Authentication process

involves researching provenance and stylistic analysis, moreover scientific testing like radiocarbon dating is used to determine if a work is genuine

Arguments for being a Leonardo

left-handed hatching

Arguments against being a Leonardo

weak provenance and stylistic evidence being inconclusive

Contemporary Art as an investment

can offer significant investment advantages as there is the possibility of financial gains especially since the market for art is continuing to grow as people seek profit and status

vulnerability of art investment market

the market is that it is poorly regulated allowing for forgery, money laundering, and tax evasion to fester.

issue that leads to losses and depreciation of value

overproduction and flipping

Auction catalogues, what’s included?

describe pieces that will be up for sale such as date of creation, images and estimated prices to bring attention to pieces.

What is often omitted from auction catalogues

important information like provenance, condition, and even ethical/legal concerns

Why should omitted info be included?

could reveal illicit trade

Albert Barnes foundation

a large concentration of modernist works and were displayed in a unique system to teach visual perception.

violations of Barnes’ public trust?

rigid rules that limited public access to his institution

controversy of Barnes’ foundation

The collection was of incredible value and Barnes required that the ensembles remained unchanged, placing tension on government structures as they could not sustain the institution.

European artworks during WWII

referred to as Aryan and where taken by Nazis to house in hitler’s museum or to be placed in private collections

Modern artworks during WWII

labeled “degenerate art”, these pieces were sold abroad for profit, used to push Nazi propaganda and even destroyed

Who did Nazis target and why?

Jewish-owned collections and culturally significant objects in order to erase Jewish culture and empower their regime.

Orphan antiquities

have unclear or disputed ownership and were often lost through war, illicit trade, and colonialism leading to issues surrounding legality of ownership.

Reasons orphan antiquities should be accepted into museums

to preserve and protect them from further damage.

to public access to the pieces and educate people on art.

museums can step in as owners since no legitimate owners are able to be identified, ultimately protecting the cultural significance of the pieces.