Favretto, S 2022, When art meets law. Authenticity and anxieties of the market, Giappichelli, Turin | 2022, enhanced rE-print, EdiXion, Milan.
EdiXion offers an extract from Sergio Favretto’s book. An essay for everyone, written by a militant lawyer. Lawyer Sergio Favretto transforms the complexity of art law into a narrative accessible even to those without legal training, revealing to collectors the hidden mechanisms of the art market. A compelling read, because Favretto does not limit himself to explaining the rules, but builds a cultural plea in defence of artistic authenticity and a legal ethics of art. From the Italian Constitution to European Treaties, from criminal and administrative laws to the G20 Culture Charter, the book offers a complete map of the legal protections of art, demonstrating how authenticity is a value safeguarded at a global level.
Art forgery generates billions of euros per year. An enormous turnover that thrives in the shadows. Favretto’s essay starts from emblematic cases, such as the Artemidorus Papyrus, a now-established fake that generated years of legal battles through expert reports and counter-reports. The analysis of these cases leads to a fundamental recommendation: always carry out thorough checks before purchasing a work of art. Instead, works of considerable value are purchased relying exclusively on the seller’s guarantees – often fragile or ambiguous, as demonstrated by the conditions applied even by the most prestigious auction houses. It should be emphasised that a work proves false not only when it is entirely counterfeited, but also when date, signature, technique or edition are altered.
Authenticity as a cultural and civil battle. Art represents a precious dimension of culture that requires active defence against forgers, at all levels. Favretto positions himself as a “civil lawyer for art”, documenting through his professional experience a defence that is not only legal but profoundly cultural. The book reveals a passionate commitment: every page is a concrete contribution to navigating a complex market and protecting the integrity of art in the battle against forgers. A battle that has seen Marina Pizziolo and Romano Ravasio, founders of Art Consulting and EdiXion, in the front line for decades.
Enhanced content of the book. Explore the multimedia materials embedded:
– p. 2: Sergio Favretto introduces his book
