15.01 - Full disclosure in the sale of certain visual art objects produced in multiples. - New York Statutes

§ 15.01. Full disclosure in the sale of certain visual art objects produced in multiples. 1. An art merchant shall not sell or consign a multiple in, into or from this state unless a written instrument is furnished to the purchaser or consignee, at his request, or in any event prior to a sale or consignment, which sets forth as to each multiple the descriptive information required by this article for the appropriate time period. If a prospective purchaser so requests, the information shall be transmitted to him prior to the payment or placing of an order for a multiple. If payment is made by a purchaser prior to delivery of such an art multiple, this information shall be supplied at the time of or prior to delivery. With respect to auctions, this information may be furnished in catalogues or other written materials which are readily available for consultation and purchase prior to sale, provided that a bill of sale, receipt or invoice describing the transaction is then provided which makes reference to the catalogue and lot number in which such information is supplied. Information supplied pursuant to this subdivision shall be clearly, specifically and distinctly addressed to each item as required by this article for any time period unless the required data is not applicable. This section is applicable to transactions by and between merchants, non-merchants, and others considered art merchants for the purposes of this article. 2. An art merchant shall not cause a catalogue, prospectus, flyer or other written material or advertisement to be distributed in, into or from this state which solicits a direct sale, by inviting transmittal of payment for a specific multiple, unless it clearly sets forth, in close physical proximity to the place in such material where the multiple is described, the descriptive information required by this article for the appropriate time period. In lieu of this required information, such written material or advertising may set forth the material contained in the following quoted passage, or the passage itself, containing terms the nonobservance of which shall constitute a violation of this article, if the art merchant then supplies the required information prior to or with delivery of the multiple: "Article fifteen of the New York arts and cultural affairs law provides for disclosure in writing of certain information concerning multiples of prints and photographs when sold for more than one hundred dollars ($100) each, exclusive of any frame, and of sculpture when sold for more than fifteen hundred dollars, prior to effecting a sale of them. This law requires disclosure of such matters as the identity of the artist, the artist's signature, the medium, whether the multiple is a reproduction, the time when the multiple was produced, use of the master which produced the multiple, and the number of multiples in a 'limited edition'. If a prospective purchaser so requests, the information shall be transmitted to him prior to payment or the placing of an order for a multiple. If payment is made by a purchaser prior to delivery of such an art multiple, this information will be supplied at the time of or prior to delivery, in which case the purchaser is entitled to a refund if, for reasons related to matter contained in such information, he returns the multiple substantially in the condition in which received, within thirty days of receiving it. In addition, if after payment and delivery, it is ascertained that the information provided is incorrect the purchaser may be entitled to certain remedies." This requirement is not applicable to general written material or advertising which does not constitute an offer to effect a specific sale. 3. In each place of business in the state where an art merchant is regularly engaged in sales of multiples, the art merchant shall post ina conspicuous place, a sign which, in a legible format, contains the information included in the following passage: "Article fifteen of the New York arts and cultural affairs law provides for the disclosure in writing of certain information concerning prints, photographs and sculpture. This information is available to you in accordance with that law."