GREECE SEEKS CANCELLATION OF CHRISTIE’S AUCTION

The Greek culture minister called on Christie’s in London yesterday to cancel the sale of a Greek royal collection today and tomorrow until that auction house proves that the artworks were legally exported, the New York Times_ and Reuters reported. “Their exact origin and how they came to Christie’s for auction has not been made public,” the minister, George Voulgarakis, told reporters in Athens. “That is why I have asked to have them removed from auction until all is made clear.” In a statement, Christie’s expressed surprise, saying that the Greek government was “well aware” of the sale, announced on November 30, and that Voulgarakis had told the Greek Parliament on January 3 that the export “was allowed.” Christie’s said that the sale would proceed as planned. Involved are about 850 paintings and silver and Fabergé items from the summer palace of King George I, who ruled from 1863 to 1913. The seller has not been identified.