1. Han van Meegeren (1930s-1940s)
Han van Meegeren stands as a figure of intrigue in the art world, notorious for his cunning forgeries of Johannes Vermeer’s masterpieces. During the tumultuous 1930s and 1940s, van Meegeren meticulously crafted fakes that tricked collectors into believing they owned genuine Vermeer pieces. Perhaps his most audacious act was selling one such painting to Hermann Göring, a prominent Nazi official, for an enormous amount. In a dramatic twist, van Meegeren confessed to his forgeries in 1945, claiming his actions were a patriotic effort to protect Dutch art from Nazi looting. His story not only reveals the lengths to which forgers may go but also raises questions about the vulnerability of the art world during times of conflict.
2. Elmyr de Hory (Mid-20th Century)
Elmyr de Hory was a master of deception, specializing in crafting fake paintings that mimicked the styles of iconic artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani. Over his career, he is estimated to have produced and sold over 1,000 forgeries, many of which were accepted as authentic by galleries and collectors. His life inspired the documentary “F for Fake” by Orson Welles, which delves into the elusive nature of authenticity in art. De Hory’s ability to deceive the art world for so long serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges faced by experts in verifying the provenance and authenticity of artworks.
3. John Myatt & John Drewe (1980s-1990s)
The duo of John Myatt and John Drewe orchestrated one of the most significant art frauds of the late 20th century. Myatt, an artist, painted over 200 fakes in the styles of renowned artists like Picasso and Matisse, while Drewe forged the necessary documents to authenticate these works. Their scheme allowed these paintings to be sold at prestigious auctions until their arrest in 1995. Myatt was sentenced to prison but later emerged as a legitimate artist, illustrating the complex relationship between art forgery and authenticity. Their story underscores the importance of robust authentication processes in the art world.
4. Wolfgang Beltracchi (1990s-2010s)
Wolfgang Beltracchi’s elaborate forgeries captivated the art world, with fake works attributed to artists like Max Ernst and Heinrich Campendonk. His forgeries were so convincing that they sold for millions, fooling major galleries and collectors globally. Beltracchi’s fraudulent activities spanned nearly two decades, culminating in his arrest in 2010 and a six-year prison sentence. His case shines a light on the vulnerabilities of the art market and the necessity for stringent authentication to safeguard against deception.
5. Pei-Shen Qian & The Knoedler Scandal (1990s-2010s)
The Knoedler Scandal rocked the art world when it was revealed that the prestigious New York gallery had been selling forged Abstract Expressionist paintings by Chinese artist Pei-Shen Qian. These fraudulent works, estimated to have totaled over $80 million, brought into question the integrity of the gallery, which closed in 2011. The scandal highlights the potential for collusion in art transactions and the devastating impact such deceptions can have on collectors and institutions.
6. Eric Hebborn (20th Century)
Eric Hebborn was a master forger who specialized in creating fake paintings attributed to Old Masters like Poussin and Bruegel. His works were so convincing that they fooled major museums and collectors for years until he was exposed. Hebborn’s life ended tragically with his mysterious murder in Rome in 1996. His story serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences associated with art forgery, both for the forger and the broader art community.
7. Ken Perenyi (20th-21st Century)
Ken Perenyi, an American forger, made his mark by creating fake paintings in the styles of British and American masters. His fraudulent works were sold through major auction houses, deceiving collectors for years. Perenyi eventually confessed to his crimes in his memoir “Caveat Emptor,” offering insight into his experiences within the art world. His story underscores the ongoing challenges in art authentication and the blurred lines between legitimate artistry and forgery.
8. Tony Tetro (1970s-1980s)
Tony Tetro became known for producing convincing forgeries of works by artists such as Rembrandt, Dalí, and Van Gogh. For over a decade, his forgeries fooled collectors and galleries until his exposure in 1989. Tetro’s transition from forger to consultant, where he now helps identify fakes, illustrates the complexities of art deception and the potential for redemption within the art world.
9. Mark Landis (1980s-2010s)
Mark Landis is a unique figure in the world of art forgery, having created thousands of fake paintings but never selling them. Instead, he donated these works to over 50 museums across the United States, convincing them of their authenticity. His story, featured in the documentary “Art and Craft,” explores the motivations behind his actions and raises questions about the ethics of art donation and the responsibilities of museums in verifying their collections.
10. Shaun Greenhalgh (1970s-2000s)
Shaun Greenhalgh was a versatile forger who not only created fake paintings but also sculptures and ancient artifacts. His forgeries, attributed to artists like Gauguin and Lowry, and even an ancient Egyptian statue, fooled collectors and institutions for nearly 30 years before his arrest in 2006. Greenhalgh’s story highlights the extensive reach of art forgery and the ongoing challenge for the art world to distinguish between authentic and fake works.
From Sunny South Arica, Inge takes everything she does very seriously, including having fun! She’s all about giving people the lowdown on their favorite music fests and trends.
