MIAMI—Colombian painter Fernando Botero is being sued by two art firms, for allegedly interfering with the marketing of art works he donated to a national museum.

Art Brokers USA Inc. and Publicidad Externa Limitada accuse Botero "of falsely telling the media that reproductions of his works in posters, lithographs, and the like were unauthorized and illegitimate," reports The Miami Herald. In an interview with El Nuevo Herald two years ago, Botero said both companies had caused him "huge moral injury, because they have attacked my artistic workwhat I built throughout my life."

Both firms are seeking several million dollars in damages, in a suit that asserts Botero "also gave the museum full rights to market and sell reproductions of the donated works," except for the reproduction of sculptures. According to the Miami Herald story, Publicidad "asserts it acquired the commercial rights from the museum." The suit also alleges that Botero, in a breach of contract, authorized other companies to market the reproductions.


FOR MORE, CLICK:

The Miami Herald: "Painter Botero is sued for marketing interference"