Harry ‘paid for every painting’
DIVORCING billionaire Harry Macklowe has argued in his split from his wife of 58 years, Linda Macklowe, that he paid for every single artwork in their collection, which is reportedly worth $1 billion. But he’s also claimed in depositions, we hear, that one work he doesn’t own is a Roy Lichtenstein painting that’s going up for auction Wednesday for about $35 million. Art sources have buzzed that Harry’s the secret seller of Lichtenstein’s “Red and White Brushstrokes” at Christie’s Post-War & Contemporary Art Evening Sale this week, and that the painting previously belonged to the husband of Harry’s foxy French fiancée, Patricia Landeau. But Macklowe’s rep told us on Tuesday that “he swore under oath as recently as last week that he has never owned nor had any financial interest in the Lichtenstein painting.” The rep added, “He also swore that he has paid for every painting, sculpture, antiquity, photograph, graphic and tapestry in their collection since he and Linda Macklowe were married 58 years ago.” Although reports have said the Macklowes’ collection is in Linda’s name, Harry’s lawyers are arguing that all assets are joint marital property. Christie’s does not comment on the identities of its consignors, and a rep for Linda did not get back to us. Harry’s said he’ll marry Patricia “as soon as this divorce is over.” His rep says Harry believes the buzz over the Lichtenstein painting’s provenance is to embarrass his wife-to-be.