Featured Abstract print?

So I found this in the antique mall where I'm a dealer. There was visible damage, but I liked the image, and the way it was framed made me think that perhaps the print had slid down behind the matte, such that I could re-matte it, so I took a $60 chance.





When I opened it up, there's substantially more than surface damage-- someone has cut the print itself and, I'd guess, based on the new-ish tape, re-matted it at the angle. I'm gonna guess that they did so to remove what was probably more extensive damage, perhaps even mildew.












1. Does anybody recognize the signature?

2. Was it dishonest for the dealer to have done these things and then concealed them, or is it simply another tough lesson for me in 'buyer beware'?

(I know the dealer a tiny bit in passing, but def not personally.)


And lastly: this is a $75K painting on canvas by Frederick Hammersley:



https://www.lamodern.com/auctions/2015/10/modern-art-design/333

Thank you!!!

 

I think it’s Nicole Santoro.

https://auctions.ejsauction.com/auction-lot/nicole-santoro-signed-limited-ed.-serigraph_50A4C9EA7A

 

Wow-- thanks @anundverkaufen.

 

The same image on glass, the liveauctioneers seller only described as manner of Dexel. Wishful thinking.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/mcm-op-art-reverse-paint-on-glass-dexel-manner/

 

I saw that one too.

I live and I learn, I guess.

 

Pity but... You have no way of knowing that the cropping and reframing was done by the dealer, do you?

Debora

 

I'd say it's highly likely. I can certainly ask him. He's almost all artworks, and that's an interest of mine so I stop by his space. I've seen paintings that's he's bought from other dealers and then jacked up the price.

I'm a little torn between shaking my head at my own gullibility, and on the other hand, feeling like 'full disclosure' is a reasonable expectation. I have enough visual sense to know it wasn't intended to be on an angle like that, but apparently not enough common sense to guess that someone would deliberately conceal its larger damage.

 

If he has any integrity he should offer you your money back. Its one thing to buy a print ,but its another to find its been mangled. Im also betting he knew because what art dealer worth their salt doesnt take a picture apart to check for info,damage,to clean,see if other works are behind, etc ? Ah but Im a salty old thing so there is that !

 

There's certainly no reason why you shouldn't bring it to his attention. See what he says.

Debora

 

In addition to our monthly rent, the antique mall also takes a 15% commission. When I talk to him, I think I'll ask if he'll buy it back from me, minus the 15%, so he's not losing any money. I'll eat the $10 and then he can do whatever he wants with it.

 

Very amicable approach. Best wishes for your success, Potteryplease.

 

It is.
Good luck. If he won't pay you back, scrap him off your Xmas card list.

 

Thank you!

 

Update: I talked with the dealer who sold me that print today, and while he didn't want to do any kind of refund (too complicated), he graciously offered me a swap for any comparably-priced piece in his space.

So I now own this 12" x 16" painting by Oregon artist Norma Driscoll. I'm happy with the outcome.



(Just a place-holder frame for now.)

 

That's nice. And I like the frame. Think it's visual strength compliments the visual strength of the work.

Debora

 

Yeah, I think you're right.

 

I like this artist's piece much more than the crooked cut one and think the frame is just fine the way it is. Good Job, Potteryplease!

 

Thanks @antidiem!

 

nice work...frames fine !!!