Conspicuous Nonconsumption of Art: The Latest Fad Among the Superrich

This and this seem to be the start of a new trend of conspicuous nonconsumption by the culturally conscious superrich.
It goes like this: Pay outlandish prices to preempt the sale of works scheduled to be offered by the auction houses. Then return them to their country of origin. You can buy this kind of publicity!
Could this be a way out of the antiquities wars? (Just kidding.)