Art Adviser Lisa Schiff Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Image of Lisa Schiff

Once a prominent art adviser, Lisa Schiff, has now pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a New York court on Thursday, admitting to defrauding clients out of millions! She faces two lawsuits from collectors, including one for $1.8 million related to a painting sale and another claiming she misused $6.6 million intended for art purchases.

In January, Schiff filed for bankruptcy, reportedly owing nearly $7 million to various entities. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated she misappropriated client funds to support a lavish lifestyle. Schiff has agreed to forfeit $6.4 million, with sentencing set for January, facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. This jail sentance is highly unlikely for a white color crime.

It's hard to believe Lisa was once a leading figure in the art world with alist clients like Leonardo DiCaprio and has fallen to this level of disgrace. Schiff's firm, SFA Advisory, has closed, and artworks are being auctioned, including pieces estimated to be worth $2 million at Phillips next month. Her lawyer, Randy Zelin, emphasized that this marks the start of Schiff’s journey toward making amends.

Lisa Schiff will likely try to rebuild her reputation in the art world post-sentencing, but regaining trust should be difficult. If she returns, it would likely involve smaller projects to demonstrate integrity. A full comeback to her previous prominence seems unlikely, nevertheless, it's best to stay clear of Lisa Schiff.

- J.Larson

Second Soup Attack on Van Gogh Painting After Sentencing of Original Protesters by U.K. Climate Activists

Two Van Gogh Paintings had canned soup thrown at them by three activists at the "Lovers and Poets" exhibition at the National Gallery in London on February September 27. Photo: Just Stop Oil.

On September 27, 2024, three individuals targeted National Gallery paintings an hour after Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland were jailed for similar attack in 2022

In the latest incident the three activists entered the gallery at approximately 2:30 PM, targeting both "Sunflowers" (1888 and 1889) during a prominent exhibition showcasing Van Gogh's works. The paintings are part of a significant triptych, with the targeted 1888 piece being especially notable for its cultural value. One of the activists, Phil Green, declared to gallery visitors that future generations would view these recent imprisonments as a testament to the activists' fight for justice and environmental preservation.

Image of Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland

The sentencing of Plummer and Holland, who were found guilty of criminal damage after they caused an estimated £10,000 worth of damage to the gold frame of the "Sunflowers" painting. During their sentencing, Judge Christopher Hehir condemned their actions as arrogant, emphasizing the near irreversible damage that could have occurred had the soup penetrated the protective glass of the artwork. He highlighted that their actions warranted custodial sentences due to the severity of the potential harm, noting that the gallery staff had to immediately assess the painting for any severe damage.

The latest soup-throwing incident adds to a series of high-profile protests by climate activists, reflecting an increasing urgency within these movements. Many activists view such direct actions as necessary to raise awareness and provoke public discourse about the climate crisis and the perceived inaction of governments and corporations.

The National Gallery quickly confirmed that the paintings were unharmed, and they were removed for inspection but returned to display shortly after.

This ongoing confrontation between climate activism and legal repercussions illustrates the escalating tensions surrounding environmental issues in the U.K. as activists grapple with the implications of their protests in an increasingly polarized social and political landscape.

J.Larson