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A History of Art Forgery

For years, experts have used detailed analysis of an artist's brushstrokes as one way to determine authenticity of a work of art. Accomplished art forgers meticulously study original works of the Masters in order to duplicate brushwork in their imitations.

Detailed brushwork in forgeries can be obscured purposefully by the application of many layers of tinted varnish tothwart surface analysis. Cleaning of a painting and subsequent examination will always reveal patterns of brushwork that are as unique to every artist as fingerprints would be.





ABOVE LEFT: Diego Velasquez (1599-1660) Toilet of Venus, oil on canvas, National Gallery, London.

ABOVE RIGHT: detail of cherub's hair, upper right in the painting.





ABOVE LEFT: Franz Hals (1580-1666) Young Man Holding a Skull, oil on canvas, National Gallery, London;

ABOVE RIGHT: detail of brushwork in hair which shows a spontaneity and immediacy that any forger would find nearly impossible to imitate.


Intro  (1)  (2)  (3)  (4)  (5)  (6)  (7)  (8)  (9)
(10)  (11)  (12)  (13)  (14)  (15)  (16)  (17)
 (18)  (19)  (20)

Look for updates to this exhibit every week.

Also visit the companion to this exhibit: FABULOUS FAKES



Special thanks to people without whom this exhibition would not have been possible: Thea Eichler, NRCA; Billie Tucker, New Rochelle Library; Ivar Hyden, Backstreet Gallery and all the contributing artists.

Additional information about the availability of Fabulous Fakes, the History of Art Forgery or any of the works in the exhibition may be obtained by contacting The New Rochelle Council on The Arts by email or by calling 212-529-2025. More information on the NRCA can be found by connecting to the internet and clicking here.
NRCA

Fabulous Fakes and A History of Art Forgery © J. L. Dolice, 2001, 2003.
All images in this presentation may not be copied, stored in any electronic retrieval device or used in any way without permission in writing. ISBN 0-935901-51-5.

Art Forgery Art Haus