The Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board did not respond requests for an interview.
"The board is looking into this issue," the board's lawyer, Ronald Spencer, said, "and I expect them to write to existing owners shortly." In April, a Brillo Box was sold at Christie's auction house for US$131,000.
The text describing the artwork in the catalogue said the piece was made in 1968 and that its previous owner was Pontus Hulten.
Was it a copy made in 1990? The auction house had no comment, and its spokesman Matthew Paton stressed that Christie's sells only pieces authenticated by the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board.
Sotheby's auction house also declined to comment.
"Despite the statute of limitations, both auction houses are concerned by claims, they're concerned for their reputation," said American lawyer Peter Stern, who specializes in art cases and serves as chairman of the board for the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts organization.
The recent revelation was very serious, Stern said, especially for the board.
However, he noted that the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board did not risk legal proceedings if it was found to have authenticated fakes, as it was protected by special legal clauses.
As for the consequences for Warhol's reputation, Stern said there was little risk there either.
"The interest in his artwork is so substantial. It just means that buyers have to be more careful. I really don't think it will have an impact on Warhol's reputation or on the Warhol market," Stern added.
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