Sotheby's and Christie's cancel planned auctions of Russian art
Auction houses Sotheby's and Christie's cancel planned auctions of Russian art in June amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine
The Art Newspaper reported this with reference to the comments of company officials.
According to the company, "Sotheby's will not trade in Russian art in June. Our hearts and minds are addressed to all those affected by the Ukrainian crisis."
According to The Art Newspaper, a few hours after Sotheby's canceled the auctions, Christie's made a similar decision.
"We have decided to cancel our June Russian sales," the spokesman said.
The press services of both auction houses also reported that the companies were complying with new sanctions laws of Great Britain and the United States, which prohibit transactions with individuals and companies from Russia listed.
According to The Art Newspaper, the auction of Russian art at Sotheby's during the "Russian Week" in November 2021 amounted to 17.7 million pounds.
Earlier, the international auction house Phillips, owned by the Russian company Mercury, announced that it would transfer the entire commission of the buyer and seller for the auction of works of the twentieth century and contemporary art in favor of the Red Cross of Ukraine.
