Disappointed with Sotheby’s handling of…
Disappointed with Sotheby’s handling of my complaint in 2026
This review concerns my experience of communicating with Sotheby’s in 2026 about a longstanding complaint. On 14 August 2026, I emailed the company again in an attempt to move the matter forward. As of 14 September 2026, I have not received an email reply to that message.
My experience of seeking a resolution this year, including through Sotheby’s legal department, has been deeply disappointing. There has been correspondence, and I acknowledge that Sotheby’s has provided explanations. However, those exchanges have not addressed my concerns to my satisfaction.
At times, I have felt that my frustration was being acknowledged rather than the substance of my questions being answered. To me, the process has felt like hitting a wall: polite language, but no satisfactory way forward.
The background explains why these recent communications matter to me.
In 2009, my husband and I purchased an artwork through Sotheby’s, presented under the name of Alex Katz. We relied on its catalogue description and specialist expertise.
Years later, Sotheby’s accepted the same work for another auction. On 11 February 2020, the evening before the scheduled sale, it emailed me explaining that the work was being withdrawn. Sotheby’s said the artist’s studio did not recognise it as a work by the artist and had requested its withdrawal, meaning Sotheby’s could not offer it under its guarantee on that basis.
Sotheby’s also explained that relevant catalogue information and its relationship with the studio post-dated our purchase. I understand that new information can emerge.
Nevertheless, I had purchased the work through Sotheby’s, and Sotheby’s subsequently told me it could not offer it for resale under the same artist’s name. Are we serious??? why is this happening to me? that a work that today would worth around 200k. I am in total shock.
That is why I have continued seeking clarification about the checks undertaken, the information supporting that position and a satisfactory resolution.
. I am describing my experience of seeking assistance when questions arose about a work purchased through the same auction house.
I was looking for answers and a constructive way forward, not simply acknowledgement that the situation was frustrating. My recent experience has left me disappointed with the communication and follow-through.
On 14 August 2026, I emailed the company again in an attempt to move the matter forward. As of 14 September 2026, I have not received an email reply to that message.
My experience of seeking a resolution this year, including through Sotheby’s legal department, has been deeply disappointing. There has been correspondence, and I acknowledge that Sotheby’s has provided explanations. However, those exchanges have not addressed my concerns to my satisfaction.
At times, I have felt that my frustration was being acknowledged rather than the substance of my questions being answered. To me, the process has felt like hitting a wall: polite language, but no satisfactory way forward.It sounds like were instructed to take me for exhaustion.
The background explains why these recent communications matter to me.
In 2009, my husband and I purchased an artwork through Sotheby’s, presented under the name of Alex Katz. We relied on its catalogue description and specialist expertise.
Years later, Sotheby’s accepted the same work for another auction. On 11 February 2020, the evening before the scheduled sale, it emailed me explaining that the work was being withdrawn. Sotheby’s said the artist’s studio did not recognise it as a work by the artist and had requested its withdrawal, meaning Sotheby’s could not offer it under its guarantee on that basis.
Sotheby’s also explained that relevant catalogue information and its relationship with the studio post-dated our purchase. I understand that new information can emerge.
Nevertheless, I had purchased the work through Sotheby’s, and Sotheby’s subsequently told me it could not offer it for resale under the same artist’s name.
That is why I have continued seeking clarification about the checks undertaken, the information supporting that position and a satisfactory resolution.
I am not asking for guaranteed investment returns or complaining about falling art prices. I am describing my experience of seeking assistance when questions arose about a work purchased through the same auction house.
I was looking for answers and a constructive way forward, not simply acknowledgement that the situation was frustrating. My recent experience has left me disappointed with the communication and follow-through.
