Chapter 18: Muddled Intentions
Verso of the painting — marks and labels
Government regulation of historic artwork affects the value of everything. It is easier to move, sell, export, and bequeath decorative art—works that don’t fall into the category of national treasure.
Once catalogued as important, a painting becomes harder to move. The very act of recognition creates chains.
Bob’s painting existed in a limbo—too important to ignore, too controversial to accept.
This is an excerpt. Read the full chapter in Art World’s Dirty Little Secret.