«I LIKE MONEY ON THE WALL»

The rumour mill is grinding after the death of Greek collector Georges Embiricos, whose holdings include one of the greatest modern paintings still in private hands, Cézanne’s “The Card Players” (1902). The work is hugely important, the last in a series depicting seated peasants, deeply absorbed in their game: three of the series were recently shown at the Courtauld Institute in London.According to a number of accounts from within the trade, Embiricos’s version might already have been sold. But to whom? There’s the question. One rumour has it that Gagosian has bought the collection (the gallery did not respond to a request for comment), while another mentions Qatar (which never comments on art acquisitions).“The field is open,” says one private dealer. “For such a great work, there are quite a few buyers who would be desperate to get it. It’s a holy grail, and it’s worth far, far more than the current world record for any work of art.”

-The Financial Times