Assistant of the "expensive" American artist secretly sold 22 of his paintings

[Кирилл Сызранский]

James Meyer, assistant to the most "expensive" of contemporary American artists Jasper Johns, accused of stealing 22 of his unfinished works, which he then sold, posing for the finished masterpieces, thus earning for six years 6 5 million dollars, reports The NY Daily News reports citing the court.

Meyer more than 25 years was considered the keeper of archives and storerooms paintings 83-year-old Jones. He assured employees galleries and buyers, which he donated to the canvas by the famous artist for the excellent service. According to the prosecution, Meyer stole the unfinished work and deferred Jones, passing them off as finished masterpieces.

"Keeper" was arrested Wednesday at his home in Salisbury. August 15, he appeared before the court and on the same day was released on bail of 250 thousand dollars, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison if he is convicted.

The prosecution alleges that the crime was committed with great cynicism, as Meyer has abused the full confidence that gave him the master, who is considered a classic of living in the U.S., reports RIA "Novosti" with reference to the prosecutor's office of the Southern District of New York.

The most significant works of Jasper Johns is considered to be a series of his early paintings. Best known for his work "Flag" (1954 - 1955), inspired by a dream. It was sold in New York in 2010 for 28.6 million dollars. Picture of the "White Flag" Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired more than $ 20 million. Cases of theft of his canvases have not yet been widely recognized, publicized got a scam attempts to forge his paintings. In 2011, Jones was awarded the Presidential Medal of Barack Obama.
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visible in the foreground thing Picasso " A woman with children " in 1961, which at the same auction Christie's (11.05.2010. Lot number 13) was sold for 6,578,500 dollars.
 "flag" George Jones. and he 83-year-old author.