Court Battle Over Sold Art

New York socialite Brooke Astor's grandson accuses his father of selling one her favorite paintings against her will. Philip Marshall is trying to wrest control of the 104-year-old Astor's care and finances from his father, Anthony. He claims that his father has been enriching himself from her estate while cutting corners on everything from clothes to medication. The painting, "Flags, Fifth Avenue," is one of the best-known art works by the American impressionist Childe Hassam. Astor bought it in 1972 for $172,010. The painting, which is now in the Dallas Museum of Art, is worth about $12 million. Anthony Marshall sold it about 10 years ago for $1.2 million. For the full story - click the title Irish Art