Step inside the astonishing world of art forgery, where masterpieces are faked, fortunes are made, and almost no one is who they seem. Art Fraud reveals the true stories behind some of the greatest scams in art history, where con artists forged their way to fame, fortune or infamy.
Discover the motivations and methods of master forgers, from Eric Hebborn’s faked Old masters to Han van Meegeren’s deception of the Nazis. Meet eccentric copyists, bitter experts, and insiders who turned against the institutions they once admired. Each chapter tells the story of a different forger, weaving in the investigations that finally unmasked them and the secrets they left behind.
Written by bestselling author and art historian Susie Hodge, this is a fascinating, brilliantly researched collection that blurs the line between genius and fraud. Whether you are an art lover, a true crime reader or simply curious about how the art world really works, this book is full of twists, scandals and unforgettable characters.
Arvustused
"Amply illustrated and filled with eccentric detail, [ Art Fraud]s a lively and illuminating window into a shadowy corner of the art world." * Publishers Weekly *
Introduction
Chapter 1 Did He or Didnt He?
Chapter 2 The Vermeer That Fooled the Nazis
Chapter 3 Genuine Fakes
Chapter 4 Crusade Against the Art World
Chapter 5 Forger of the Century
Chapter 6 The Fakers Handbook
Chapter 7 The Art World is Rotten
Chapter 8 A Legal Forgery
Chapter 9 The Garden Shed Gang
Chapter 10 The Last Word in German Art
Chapter 11 The Perfect Forger
Chapter 12 F is for Fake
Chapter 13 From Garage to Gallery
Chapter 14 Revenge on the Art World
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Further Reading
Index
Picture Credits
Susie Hodge MA, FRSA, is an art historian, artist and journalist with more than 100 books in print on art history, practical art and history. She also writes magazine articles, web resources and booklets for galleries, and lectures around the world.
