© AWF

Andy Warhol, "Heinz Box" (1964). Silkscreen ink on synthetic polymer paint on wood. Many of these Heinz sculptures are on view at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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According to a statement released by the United States Attorney for the South District of New York, Biear sold the Warhol for $220,000 to a New York collector, allegedly telling him that he had received the sculpture from his uncle as a gift. In fact, the collector from whom the work was stolen says that he is the original and sole owner, having received the ketchup box directly from Warhol in 1964.

Though Biear could not be reached for comment, his lawyer, Michael Bachner, said that his client had obtained ownership over both works and sold them lawfully. Biear was scheduled to be arraigned in Ossining, New York, 35 miles north of Manhattan, last night. Ensuing court proceedings will decide the works’ true owner.

Read more at Bloomberg.