Florida Millionaire Sues Atlanta Appraiser Over $20 Million in Fake Art
An Atlanta art and antiques appraiser is being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who claims he spent 20 million dollars on thousands of fake artworks believing they were created by renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dali, and Jackson Pollock. The lawsuit was filed against Allan Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques Inc., in federal trial court in Atlanta. The plaintiff alleges that he was misled into purchasing these artworks which were falsely represented as original pieces. Baitcher has not commented on the lawsuit, which highlights the ongoing issue of art fraud and misrepresentation. The case brings attention to the significant financial losses that can occur in the art market, particularly for buyers who are not adequately informed. The lawsuit also raises questions about the responsibilities of appraisers and dealers in ensuring the authenticity of the artworks they sell. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for the art community in Atlanta and beyond may be substantial, particularly regarding trust and the verification processes in art transactions. The trial is set to explore these issues in depth, potentially influencing future practices in the art appraisal industry.
