Who was the seller? If I was they buyer I’d put a stop payment on the check.Let the seller and the “artist” fight it out in court.
It was actually a beautiful piece and to shred it in front of the bidder willing to pay $1.4 million? Sick.
The "artiste" should be sued for destroying the bidder's property. Intentional and negligent emotional distress damages as well not to mention felony vandalism so he can draw stuff in jail for a few years. IMHO. :-(