Christie’s proceeded with its Jean-Michel Basquiat sale despite a $1 million suit filed by siblings of the late artist claiming the collection of Alexis Adler, Basquiat’s one-time lover and roommate, could include fakes.
A rep for Christie’s said they’ve spoken with Basquiat estate administrators and have moved forward “with the exclusion of a single lot to allow for further review and research.”
Some on the estate’s authentication committee had rejected a radiator labeled “Milk” valued at $300,000.
The lawsuit seemed not to affect Thursday’s sale: A plaster wall reading “Olive Oyl” sold for $569,000, and a door titled “Famous Negro Athletes” for $773,000.