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ARTICLE · 28 MAY 2013

Expert Choice - The Decision In Avrora

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In cases where technical and documentary evidence is insufficient to prove the authenticity of a work of art, the English courts will rely heavily on expert (or connoisseurship) evidence.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Jasmine Gill
Jasmine Gill
Mette Sutton
Mette Sutton
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In cases where technical and documentary evidence is insufficient to prove the authenticity of a work of art, the English courts will rely heavily on expert (or connoisseurship) evidence. In attribution cases, the calibre and experience of those appointed will have a significant bearing on the outcome of the case.

Background facts

In 2005, Christie's was commissioned to sell the oil painting 'Odalisque'. In its sale catalogue it attributed the painting unequivocally to the Russian artist Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev. Avrora Fine Arts Investment, a vehicle for a Russian collector, bought the painting for £1.68m, ten times the Christie's estimate. Following the sale, doubt was expressed as to its authenticity. Avrora approached Christie's with its concerns in 2006 but nothing came of the discussions.

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