andrew CRISPO
“Death Mask Killer”,
1970-80’s
Archive of personal and business remnants from the storage unit of notorious New York gallerist Andrew Crispo—infamously linked to the “Death Mask Killer” case. This collection bridges art history and true crime, encompassing provenance papers, gallery records, trial transcripts, personal effects, and ephemera that illuminate both his influence in the art world and his darker legacy.
Lot Description-
Provenance & Gallery Records:
• Sales receipts and provenance paperwork for Richard Pousette-Dart paintings, with three Dart signatures and two from Andrew Crispo
• Loan documentation for a Tamara de Lempicka painting (with image)
• Milton Avery provenance folder• Signed gallery checks from Crispo and his gallery.
Legal & Trial Documents:
• Complete transcripts of the “Death Mask Killer” trial
• Lawsuit paperwork signed by both Rudy Giuliani (as DA) and Andrew Crispo
• Sotheby’s grievance over a bounced check, including Sotheby’s check signed by Crispo
• U.S. Marshal’s seizure and summons paperwork for Andrew Crispo Gallery
• Parole rules binder (with signed check)
Personal Materials:
• 1980 daily planner with sales notes and artist references
• Personal notebook on art sales and routines
• Crispo’s monogrammed address book
• Astrological chart prepared for Crispo in Chinatown
• Suitcase of unsorted ephemera: checks, photographs, stubs, correspondence (Crispo & Arthur E. Smith)
• Six personal photos of Andrew, Arthur, and their dog
• Two bank checks signed by Andrew and Arthur, plus vintage postcard
Miscellaneous:
• “The Man in the Mask”, New york Magazine, June 24th 1985
• Mafia Assassin Book signed, with personal letter to an associate.
Note:
These materials represent a rare and missing chapter in 20th-century art history and true crime in New York.
All items are offered as found, from the original Andrew Crispo storage acquisition.