The collector and the “Über-Maler” are at odds, also because of a new book: the publisher was banned from the commercial court of Vienna. Now it is being reprinted – without the artist’s portraits on the island of Tenerife.
If one believes in an end to the art crime thriller about the controversial overpainting of artworks by prof.dr. Arnulf Rainer, then one is subject to a delusion. We also. We wrongly assumed that, according to a first instance decision of the Court of Inner City, the works from Tenerife – highly erotic images of Dutch models – may also be sold as genuine, since the buyer obtained them legally.
Authenticity not yet established
In the previous proceedings, the court was unable to determine whether and to what extent the disputed objects are authentic, at least forgeries or forged originals of Rainer’s works. According to the verdict, a handwritten report commissioned by the federal police provided evidence that at least the signatures on the works could be forged.
Since this is a first court verdict, the art thriller expands – perhaps this time with an opinion from a court-certified art expert?!
“Warm days in Tenerife”
Art collector Brigitte L., who bought these controversial Rainer overpaints, has released a book. Title: “Hot days in Tenerife”, author is a well-known and renowned art expert. But against this book, according to her lawyer Prof. Alfred Noll, is an unusual order from the Vienna Commercial Court: “The opposing party, especially the publisher, has not been heard.” It is about 6 portraits of Rainer, which he painted on the island. They have been pasted over it, a commissioned reprint without these photos.
objection and appeal
An appeal is being lodged against this prohibition and the decision of the court is open to appeal. Noll: “The prosecutor’s office has returned the accused photos. That is, the investigative authorities have not found anything that confirms a forgery of the works. Otherwise, they should have been destroyed.” The end of this art crime thriller is not yet in sight.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
