Sotheby's Defiant

Sotheby’s issued a statement Thursday saying it “has had dialogue with several nations and given careful consideration to their concerns about this [Barbier-Mueller Collection] sale, and we continue to welcome discussion regarding any new information on specific issues.” The auction house said that over six months, it “thoroughly researched the provenance of this collection and we are confident in offering these works for auction.” Sophie Dufresne, Sotheby’s spokeswoman in Paris, said: “The sale is going forward as planned.”

Associated Press, 'Mexico demands Sotheby’s halt auction in Paris of pre-Hispanic artifacts from Mexico', Washington Post, March 21, 8:18 PM