Jasper Johns to testify at NY art trial of man accused of trying to sell fake ‘Flag’ for $11M
NEW YORK, N.Y. – A prosecutor has told a New York jury that artist Jasper Johns will testify against a foundry owner charged with trying to sell a fake bronze sculpture of his iconic 1960 painting “Flag” for $11 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Feingold told a Manhattan jury Wednesday that Johns will say Brian Ramnarine (RAM’-nah-reen) lied by claiming the artist gave him the sculpture as a gift.
And he said Johns will testify he never knew the fake existed.
Feingold said the artist hired Ramnarine to make a wax impression of his famous painting in 1990, but the mould was never returned. Feingold says Ramnarine tried to sell the knockoff in 2010 as he struggled financially.
A defence lawyer says Ramnarine had oral agreements with artists and is not guilty.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.