Christie's auction house announced it had withdrawn the top lot, El Greco's Saint Sebastian, from its Old Masters sale due to a block by the Romanian government. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated that legal efforts are underway to recover the painting, which has significant cultural heritage value to Romania. The artwork, which has changed hands multiple times since its acquisition by King Carol I of Romania in 1898, will be held by Christie's while the legal process unfolds. The situation raises questions regarding art ownership and the responsibilities of art institutions.
Christie's pulled the sale of El Greco's Saint Sebastian after Romania blocked it, citing the painting as part of its national heritage.
The Romanian government’s move to block the auction underscores the complexities of art ownership, particularly concerning historical pieces linked to national identity.
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