'A lively and illuminating window into a shadowy corner of the art world.'– Publishers Weekly
Step inside the astonishing world of art forgery, where masterpieces are faked, fortunes are made, and almost no one is who they seem.Art Fraudreveals 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.
Susie Hodgeis a UK-based author who has written over 100 books for adults and children. An experienced teacher and lecturer, Susie also holds an MA in Art History from Birkbeck, University of London and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Introduction
Chapter 1 Did He or Didn’t 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 Faker’s Handbook
Chapter 7 The Art World is Rotten
Chapter 8 A Legal Forgery
Chapter 9 The Garden Shed Gang
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