John Behling is the Founder and Principal of Behling Art Gallery, a leading modern and contemporary art gallery renowned for its curated collection and expert advisory services. With over 30 years of experience in the art world, John is recognized for his in-depth knowledge of both established and emerging artists, as well as his unparalleled expertise in art procurement, collection management, and estate planning.
John’s career began at Richard Gray Gallery in Chicago, where he helped facilitate sales of major works by iconic artists like Picasso, Rothko, and Lichtenstein. Building on this foundation, he established Behling Art Gallery, where he continues to assist private collectors, museums, and corporations in navigating the complexities of the art market. The gallery is known for offering carefully curated selections of painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed-media works, as well as providing personalized advisory services.
In addition to his work as a gallerist and art advisor, John plays a key role in the art world’s intersection with law enforcement. He is frequently consulted by federal agencies in matters related to art theft, recovery, and estate issues.
With his extensive knowledge of art provenance, legal compliance, and the complexities of art transactions, John has been instrumental in assisting law enforcement in recovering stolen works of art and resolving legal disputes involving art estates.
John’s expertise extends to art-related litigation and compliance, making him a trusted advisor in situations that require specialized knowledge of federal regulations, art law, and recovery procedures. His work with federal law enforcement agencies has helped recover invaluable artworks and clarify complex provenance issues, ensuring that stolen art is returned to its rightful owners and that legal matters are handled with the utmost integrity.
As an active member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the International Society of Appraisers, John continues to influence both the art market and the broader art law landscape. His reputation as an expert in art theft and recovery, combined with his ability to navigate the intricacies of art estates, makes him a sought-after consultant in both the private and public sectors.
Through Behling Art Gallery, John remains committed to offering personalized, strategic guidance for collectors and institutions, while also contributing to the protection and recovery of artworks on a national scale.