New York financier Ezra Merkin, whose activity was related to the financial pyramid Bernard Medoffa, forced to sell his art collection.

New York financier Ezra Merkin (Ezra Merkin), whose activity was related to the financial pyramid Medoffa Bernard (Bernard Madoff), forced to give up their valuable art collections. Struck him with lawsuits alleging fraud Merkina and persuaded his wife to the decision to sell his paintings Mark Rothko and Sculpture Alberto Giacometti (Alberto Giacometti). The buyer, whose name has not been named, was ready to give them 310 million dollars.

But leave the money in their spouses are unlikely to succeed. Back in April this year, Attorney General of New York Andrew Kuomo (Andrew Cuomo) filed a lawsuit against Merkina, which accused him of improper injection of billions of dollars in business Medoffa and hiding it from their customers. The lawsuit Kuomo required to send funds from the sale of the collection of compensation for damage to a variety of investors affected by the action Merkina. A court decision in this case has not yet been made, and before that time, under a treaty between the litigants, the proceeds from the sale of the collection will be deposited.

Spouses Merkin of his collection in the years 2003-2008. Seven large paintings by Mark Rothko, they have acquired from the collection of the artist with the mediation of the gallery PaceWildenstein. In addition, according to art consultant spouses Merkin Ben Heller (Ben Heller), they had five more works by this author. One of them made in shades of blue, was bought at Sotheby's auction in 2007 for 7.9 million dollars. In addition to Rothko, in the collection were two bronze sculptures of Alberto Giacometti - «Venetian» and «Polyana» - a total value of approximately $ 20 million, and an apartment the couple at the New York Park Avenue was decorated with works of African, Japanese and Chinese art.

Reports that Merkin selling his collection of 310 million dollars, reinforced the optimism of art dealers. «In the current climate, the fact that the transaction could take place this level indicates maintaining confidence in the art market», - said private dealer from New York Eykin Christopher (Christopher Eykyn).

Material prepared Onuchin Catherine, AI

Source: bloomberg.com , artinfo.com , AP , artinvestment.ru