Press, Publications & Professional Recognition

The New York Times — Andy Warhol, Elvis (21 Times), 1962

The New York Times — September 26, 2025
By Colin Moynihan

The New York Times reported on the $410 million insurance dispute involving Ronald O. Perelman's art collection and five paintings allegedly affected by a 2018 fire, including Andy Warhol's Elvis (21 Times), 1962. Previously handled by Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., the painting's documented history includes a 1997 condition report prepared by Joseph K. Levene. The report provides an important contemporaneous record of the work's condition years before the insurance dispute.

Andy Warhol and These Four Other Painters Are the Most Forged

The New York Post — October 23, 2021
By Michael Kaplan

In this New York Post article, Joseph K. Levene discusses the prevalence of counterfeit works attributed to Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Willem de Kooning. Drawing on his experience in the secondary art market, Levene provides practical observations to help buyers recognize potential forgeries and understand the importance of evaluating an artwork's authenticity rather than relying on appearance alone.

How a FedEx Box Exposed a Fake Basquiat Museum Collection

The New York Post — June 2, 2022
By Jessica Cherner

The New York Post examines the investigation into a collection of counterfeit paintings attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat, a case in which a FedEx shipment helped expose the deception. Joseph K. Levene is quoted on the distinctive visual characteristics of Basquiat's work and the challenges counterfeiters face in reproducing the artist's imagery. The article illustrates the importance of informed examination and careful scrutiny when evaluating the authenticity and provenance of works of art.

Three Men Charged Over Damien Hirst Counterfeits That Sold for $400,000

The Guardian — June 19, 2017
By Amanda Holpuch

Joseph K. Levene, president of Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., has written extensively about how to safely buy art online. He explained how sellers can offer forgeries on one website, shut down their seller accounts after being exposed, and resume selling on another platform, often evading prosecution.

Tony Rosenthal, a Sculptor of Public Art, Dies at 94

The New York Times — August 1, 2009
By William Grimes

Joseph Levene was asked to comment on the sculptor's work and is quoted in the obituary. This is an independent reference connecting Joseph Levene and his expertise to the New York art world.

Auction Records, Provenance & Market Performance

The history of an artwork does not end with its creation or its initial sale. Its ownership, transaction history, and subsequent market performance are documented through gallery records and published auction catalogues.

Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. is identified in the published provenance of numerous works that have subsequently appeared at leading international auction houses, including Christie's, Sotheby's, Artcurial, and Artnet. These records document Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd.'s participation in the secondary art market and its place in the ownership histories of works by important modern and contemporary artists, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Christo, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Richard Pettibone.

In a number of instances, subsequent auction appearances and published sale results also provide evidence of significant increases in the market value of works previously handled by the firm. These transactions offer a perspective on the longer-term performance of individual artworks and demonstrate the importance of informed acquisition, market knowledge, and careful placement.

The examples below link directly to published auction records and catalogue entries identifying Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. in the provenance history.

Sotheby’s — Andy Warhol, Four Marilyns (Reversal Series), 1986

Sotheby’s — Jean-Michel Basquiat, Natives Carrying Things, 1983

Christie's — Richard Pettibone, Frank Stella, "Concentric Square," 1972

Christie's — Richard Pettibone, Andy Warhol, "Mao," 1975

Christie's — Andy Warhol, "Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn)," 1967

Christie's — Andy Warhol, "Campbell's Soup Box," 1986

Christie's — Christo, "Wrapped Trees," 1969

Sotheby's — Andy Warhol, "Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup Box," 1986

Artcurial — George Condo, "Portrait," 1984

Phillips — Andy Warhol, 4 Colored Marilyns (Reversal Series), 1979–1986

Roy Lichtenstein Catalogue Raisonné — "Modern Painting in Porcelain," circa 1967

Research, Articles & Market Commentary

The Fine Art Blog is the official publication of Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. Through original articles, market analysis, and collecting guides, Joseph K. Levene and Robert Grunder examine issues affecting the modern and contemporary art market, including authenticity, provenance, condition, editions, auction practices, and the valuation of fine art. The following articles reflect the firm's independent research, professional experience, and commentary on the art market.

Jasper Johns Prints: The Importance of Condition and Transparency

An examination of condition issues affecting Jasper Johns prints and the importance of transparency when buying and selling works on paper. The article discusses how fading, foxing, mat staining, creases, and other condition issues can affect the appearance, preservation, and market value of individual impressions.

The Controversy Surrounding Posthumous Jean-Michel Basquiat Prints: Are They Collectible?

An examination of posthumous Basquiat print editions, questions of artistic intent, collectibility, edition practices, and the market for works produced after the artist's death.

How to Spot Counterfeit Jasper Johns 1977 Color Screenprints That Flood Online Art Auctions & Venues

An examination of counterfeit Jasper Johns screenprints, explaining the original purpose, publication history, and identifying characteristics of the 1977 Untitled (ULAE 186/S13) screenprint.

Gen Z and Prints Reshape Fine Art Market: Clickbait or Press Release?

A critical examination of reporting about younger collectors and the market for original prints, questioning the accuracy and implications of claims about changing collecting habits.

Manipulating Value: How the Art Market Sells Illusion

An analysis of manufactured market value, pricing practices, and the distinction between asking prices, publicity, and demonstrated demand in the contemporary art market.

Art Buyers Often Overlook Condition—Buying on Price Alone Is Often a Bad Deal

An examination of why condition must be considered when comparing examples of the same artwork, and why a lower asking price does not necessarily represent better value.

David Hockney Photo Collages: A Glimpse Into Their Brilliance

An examination of David Hockney's photographic joiners, their relationship to Cubism and pictorial space, and the importance of condition in preserving these works.

Why You Should Avoid Buying Online Art From Artsy Auctions

A critical examination of online auction practices, buyer protections, condition disclosure, and the risks facing collectors purchasing art through online auction platforms.

Was Auctionata Ever Ethical?

An examination of Auctionata's business practices, published sales claims, financial reporting, and the issues raised by the company's subsequent collapse.

Fake 1973 Roy Lichtenstein Prints Dupe Christie's, Phillips & Sotheby's Specialists

An investigation into counterfeit Roy Lichtenstein Finger Pointing printer's proofs and how purported examples entered the auction market and deceived specialists.

4 Lithographs Not Created by Calder You Should Never Buy

An examination of questionable Alexander Calder lithographs and the importance of verifying the authenticity and publication history of purported editions.

Are 74 Edgar Degas 1998 Bronzes Casts Worth $37 Million?

An investigation into posthumous Degas bronze casts, their production dates, attribution, appraisals, and the questions surrounding their market valuation.

Auctionata Guarantee Is Guaranteed Risk

An analysis of Auctionata's advertised guarantee, its contractual exclusions, and the potential risks facing buyers relying on the company's assurances.

The National Gallery Acquires 1,700 Jasper Johns Prints

A review of the National Gallery of Art's acquisition of Jasper Johns working proofs and the exhibition devoted to the artist's printmaking practice.

Buying Fine Art NOT Like Buying Detergent!

Advice for art buyers on evaluating authenticity, quality, condition, and value rather than making purchasing decisions based solely on price.

Online Art Fraud and Counterfeit Andy Warhol Works

Commentary on the proliferation of purported Andy Warhol works online and the importance of buyer vigilance when purchasing art through internet marketplaces.