Fallen Internet tycoon Halsey Minor is so hard up for cash that he can’t even afford to send Sotheby’s his art collection to make good on his $6.6 million debt to the famed auction house.
Court papers filed yesterday say the CNet.com co-founder “has represented that he cannot pay shippers to transport his fine and decorative art as directed,” so a judge ordered Sotheby’s to cover the cost.
Manhattan federal Judge Barbara Jones — who yesterday ordered Minor to fork over all but the barest of necessities in his possession — gave him until June 14 to arrange for the Ship/Art International company to package and transport “so much of the fine and decorative art of sufficient value to satisfy the judgment…as Minor possesses or controls.”
Last month, Minor — who owes Sotheby’s for reneging on bids for three paintings in 2008 — sold off 22 contemporary artworks for $22.1 million to help pay off a delinquent loan.
It was unclear if yesterday’s order will affect plans by Phillips de Pury & Co. to auction off more of Minor’s collection on June 9.
Design director Alex Heminway, who’s in charge of the sale, didn’t immediately return a call for comment.