The Law Offices of Sanford F. Young, P.C.

Getting results since 1978

Art Litigation

Experienced Art Litigation Attorney

Since the late 1970’s, Sanford F. Young has handled a wide range of art disputes and lawsuits in the New York metropolitan area, including New York City, New York state, northern New Jersey and central New Jersey.

More people are collecting, buying and selling art than ever before – paintings, sculptures, etchings, prints and other collectibles. While most dealers and collectors are reputable and trustworthy, given the enormous size and diversity of establishments and individuals that buy and sell art, legal disputes and fraud occur. Those disputes involve feuds over:

  • Authenticity
  • Originality
  • Provenance
  • Forgeries
  • Fraud and misrepresentation
  • Bait and switch
  • Ownership
  • Consignment and/or entrustment
  • Conversion and theft
  • Warranties
  • Contracts
  • Nonpayments
  • Donations and contributions

Mr. Young represents art collectors, investors, galleries, dealers and museums, and he is willing and able to take on any adversary, big or small.

Of the hundreds of cases he has handled, those involving art are among the more incredible. For example, Mr. Young is often asked about the federal lawsuit he brought against one of New York City’s largest galleries for fraudulently inducing his client to sell it a Winslow Homer at a bargain-basement price by telling her that the painting was not authentic. After learning that the painting was resold by the gallery for a substantial profit, Mr. Young sued the gallery, its renowned expert, and wealthy purchaser for fraud and misrepresentation. After tenacious discovery, Mr. Young uncovered evidence showing that the parties knew it was authentic, and quickly induced the defendants to pay substantial losses.

In another case, Mr. Young fought a major New York dealer who purchased a Rembrandt etching from Mr. Young’s client and subsequently claimed it was a fake. Mr. Young successfully represented his client by uncovering the fact that the dealer switched the etching.

To see a sampling of the Art Litigation cases The Law Offices of Sanford F. Young P.C. has won for his clients, please click here.

Contact Our New York Lawyer

If you are seeking advice or representation for a litigation matter or any civil appeal, please contact The Law Offices of Sanford F. Young P.C.. Our firm serves clients in New York City, the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, throughout New York State, and northern and central New Jersey, and can be reached by calling 212-227-9755 , by e-mail by filling out the intake form on our Contact Us page.

Our offices are located in the financial district of Manhattan, near Wall Street, across from New York’s City Hall, and around the corner from the World Trade Center site, and easily accessible by public transportation or car.