Mirvish v. Mott

OPINION OF THE COURT

Read, J.

Jacques Lipchitz, the Russian-born cubist sculptor, died in 1973 at the age of 81. He was survived by his wife, Yulia H. Lipchitz, who inherited many valuable works of art from her husband, including “The Cry,” a 1,100-pound bronze sculpture, cast three of seven, 1928-1929. After she was widowed, Yulia began a relationship with Biond Fury as early as 1980; the two of them lived together for 17 years prior to her death on July 20, 2003 at the age of 92.

From time to time, Yulia would make gifts to Fury, including art created by her late husband. She memorialized…