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Criminals try to smuggle Pirosmani painting out of Georgia

Society Materials 4 February 2011 13:15 (UTC +04:00)
Georgian law enforcement agencies have prevented the illegal sale and export of a painting by well-known artist Niko Pirosmani (Pirosmanashvili).
Criminals try to smuggle Pirosmani painting out of Georgia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 4 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /

Georgian law enforcement agencies have prevented the illegal sale and export of a painting by well-known artist Niko Pirosmani (Pirosmanashvili).

The painting is called a "A Rooster and a Hen with Chicks," Georgian Deputy Chief Prosecutor David Sakvarelidze said.

Sakvarelidze said a criminal gang was arrested on the basis of gathered intelligence while trying to export the piece of cultural heritage.

The price on the canvas started at $0.5 million, but after "talks" between the Tbilisi Prosecutor's Office and the seller, it was reduced to $150,000. The criminals intended to sell the painting abroad for a higher price.

It has been transferred to the Georgian National Museum where it will be put on display for public viewing.

Paintings of Georgian artists are increasingly gaining popularity in international auction houses. Their prices range from $500,000 to $1 million.

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