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Key points 3n1h73
- The Romanian government has blocked the sale of an El Greco painting at Christie's auction house.
- The painting, "Saint Sebastian," is valued at between $7 million and $9 million and is a valuable part of the country's artistic heritage.
- Christie's auction house had originally scheduled the painting to be sold on February 5 in New York, but the sale was suspended due to the intervention of the Romanian government.
- The Romanian government has filed a lawsuit with the Paris Judicial Court over the ownership of the painting.
- Christie's will hold the painting until February 28 while the Romanian state carries out legal proceedings.
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El Greco masterpiece at the heart of controversy at Christie's 62746
A painting by the famous artist El Greco, entitled Saint Sebastian , is at the center of a major controversy at Christie's auction house. Estimated at between $7 million and $9 million, this masterpiece occupies an essential place in the history of Romanian art.
The painting left Romania in 1947 after the fall of the monarchy. Now, the Romanian government has filed a lawsuit in Paris to claim the artwork. In response, Christie's has announced that it will hold the painting until February 28 while the legal battle continues.
This work is considered a valuable part of Romania's cultural heritage. Its history and significance are deeply rooted in the country's artistic legacy, and its sale would have represented a major loss for the Romanian people.
Originally scheduled to be auctioned on February 5 in New York, Saint Sebastian was withdrawn from the sale after the Romanian government intervened.
The market value of El Greco's works fluctuates considerably, with some notable pieces having sold for over $10 million, depending on their provenance and condition.
Jean Dubreil 
