A long-standing aspect of the firm’s practice is its extensive experience in matters relating to the arts and artists.
We represent artists of distinction and emerging artists in painting and traditional two-dimensional work, sculpture (especially site-specific works), music, photography, publishing, architecture and performing arts such as modern dance. We also represent galleries, dealers, collectors and presenters.
Our lawyers assist arts-related clients in arranging consignments, commissions and sales of artworks. In many such transactions, the firm’s relationships with non-U.S. financial intermediaries, and our experience with international tax regimes, can facilitate discreet optimization of value for sellers and purchasers alike.
Our litigators are recognized as having extraordinary experience in representing arts-related interests in court and in arbitration proceedings. Several of the most significant cases litigated by the firm had their origins in disputes over confiscated and stolen works of art and collectibles. See for example Baldyn v. DeWeerth, Wildenstein, 658 F.Supp.688, 836 F 2d 103 (2d Cir 1988, Naftzger v. American Numismatic Society, 1999 WL\1074009 (Cal. App. 2 Dist.).
Our attorneys often serve on the Committee on Art Law of the New York City Bar Association and have participated in drafting the annotated model agreement for commissioning works of public art.
Recognizing the importance of the arts to our society at large, we frequently provide pro bono publico services to international arts-centered activities such as the organization of Il Centro Internazionale dArte e di Cultura di Palazzo Te; the financing of the Giulio Romano exhibition in Mantova Italy in 1989; representation of Save Venice, Inc. in the raising of funds to restore works of art in Venice; and advice to a multimedia project celebrating the Tiber River between Ponte Sisto e Ponte Mazzini.