French authorities investigate claim of fraud over Picasso plates and medallions on sale
Move comes after artist’s heirs lodged formal complaint over objects related to commissions from the 1950s
French authorities are investigating allegations of fraud surrounding Picasso plates and medallions being sold by Ateliers Hugo. The Picasso family filed a complaint with the court of Aix-en-Provence following allegations of fraud, counterfeiting, forgery and concealment made by their representative, Paloma Ruiz-Picasso. The complaint specifically names the studio Ateliers Hugo and accuses it of using Picasso's molds to produce unauthorized silver and gold pieces.
The Picasso Administration has discovered at least 17 suspicious collections, totaling hundreds of pieces. In May 2023, the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania raised concerns over plates purchased at Sotheby's in London. In June 2023, Bonhams delayed a planned sale after being informed by the Picasso Administration that some pieces were unauthorized editions.
The auction house later sequestered the lots when a British financial company attempted to recover them as collateral.
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