The son of abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko testified Monday that his own name should never have appeared on a list of experts who allegedly authenticated a fake $8.3 million painting sold by New York’s oldest gallery.
Christopher Rothko met twice with Knoedler & Company director Ann Freedman — who sold the bogus art to Domenico and Eleanore De Sole in 2004 — to examine two never-before-seen works purportedly painted by his legendary father.
But he never gave his stamp of approval for them, Christopher told jurors in the Manhattan federal court trial.
“Did Ms. Freedman ask you if she could use your name in connection with the sale of [the De Soles’] work?” asked the couple’s attorney Aaron Crowell. “No,” said Christopher.
Freedman assured the De Soles in a written warranty that a dozen or so reputable art experts authenticated the work, including the painter’s son, Eleanore testified earlier in the day.
“I know she had a list of lots of names. The only name I was familiar with was Rothko, Christopher Rothko,” Eleanore said.