Forgery in Art explores the fascinating, deceptive world where fake artwork can command millions, challenging our understanding of art history and the art market. The book investigates how art forgery threatens the integrity of artistic legacy, compelling us to question the authenticity of long-accepted masterpieces. It delves into the psychology of the forger, the evolution of forgery techniques, and the scientific methods used for detection.
The book analyzes the motivations behind forgery, driven by a mixture of artistic talent, financial need, and ego. It traces how forgery techniques have advanced, from simple replication to complex schemes involving artificial aging and false provenance. The book then details the scientific advancements, such as pigment analysis, that have transformed art authentication.
Through case studies of notorious figures like Han van Meegeren, known for his Vermeer forgeries, and Elmyr de Hory, who deceived galleries worldwide, the book reveals the diverse strategies used in art fraud.
Organized into three parts, the book first defines art forgery and its legal and ethical implications. It then presents case studies of famous forgers and finally examines the science of authentication, including microscopic and x-ray analysis. Forgery in Art uniquely blends historical and scientific perspectives, providing a comprehensive look at art forgery and its impact on our appreciation of art.
