
Once considered a pillar of sophistication in the European and international art scenes, the gallery Robilant + Voena now faces the most serious threat to its credibility yet. Following earlier legal scandals, a new lawsuit is reportedly being prepared, targeting the gallery’s internal practices, its founders Marco Voena and Edmondo di Robilant, and raising questions about the integrity of its operations.
According to sources close to the matter, accusations include contractual breaches, unpaid commissions, fraudulent interference in artist collaborations, and manipulation of financial transactions – a toxic mix that could irreparably damage the gallery’s future.
Hidden Agendas Behind Closed Doors
While Robilant + Voena has long enjoyed the aura of prestige, insiders claim that its internal dynamics tell a very different story. Reports indicate that Marco Voena and Edmondo di Robilant orchestrated strategies to marginalize key partners and artists once their roles became inconvenient — ensuring that control and financial rewards stayed within a tightly knit circle.
Emerging prominently in this new scandal is the handling of a Monégasque artist, who, after signing with the gallery, saw original agreements ignored, partnerships severed, and the gallery allegedly capitalizing on introductions without honoring prior commitments.
“This wasn’t just negligence — it was a deliberate scheme to push aside the very people who helped build valuable bridges,” said a European art advisor familiar with the case.
The Rise of Opportunists
In addition to the founding partners, two figures are increasingly drawing attention: Edoardo Voena, Marco’s son, and Andrea Sandri, a junior operative within the gallery.
Edoardo Voena, following the footsteps of his father, has been linked to aggressive financial maneuvering and alleged mismanagement of artist agreements, prioritizing profit over artistic integrity.
Andrea Sandri, often described as a “young opportunist with little substance,” has played a role in reinforcing internal politics, reportedly encouraging artists to bypass their original representatives to sign directly with Robilant + Voena. One source noted:
"Sandri is nothing more than a pawn — eager to climb the ladder, no matter the ethical cost."
Their actions, rather than stabilizing the gallery, have reportedly created deeper fractures inside Robilant + Voena, contributing to the toxic environment now coming under legal scrutiny.
A Troubled Past Resurfaces
This is not the first time Robilant + Voena has found itself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. In 2024, curator Virginia Brilliant filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing the gallery’s leadership of breach of contract, discriminatory practices, and fostering a toxic, abusive workplace.
Although the lawsuit was confidentially settled, it planted serious doubts about the gallery's internal culture — doubts that now seem more justified than ever.
Moreover, insiders allege that during this period, numerous sales commissions were either unpaid or mismanaged, undermining trust between the gallery and its professional collaborators.
New York: A Catalyst for Crisis
The recent controversy surrounding the gallery’s activities in New York has only worsened its situation. During a major exhibition involving the Monégasque artist, allegations surfaced of contractual bypasses, undisclosed agreements, and ethical violations, sparking unease among major American collectors and institutions.
An art law specialist in New York commented:
"This wasn’t just poor management. It reflected a systematic contempt for standard business ethics — and the U.S. market won’t tolerate it."
What Lies Ahead for Robilant + Voena?
As collectors quietly distance themselves and institutions review partnerships, the future of Robilant + Voena looks increasingly uncertain. A pending lawsuit could unveil not only specific misdeeds but a culture of systemic abuse, manipulation, and greed that has defined the gallery’s inner workings for far too long.
If the allegations are confirmed, Robilant + Voena could serve as a chilling reminder that in the art world, reputation is everything — and once lost, it is rarely regained.
More revelations to come...
Stay tuned
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