Tuesday 11th October 2016

 

‘MORIARTY OF THE OLD MASTER’ PULLS OFF THE ART CRIME OF THE CENTURY: MARKET IN CRISIS AS EXPERTS WARN £200M OF PAINTINGS COULD BE FAKES.

 

Earlier this year the Prince of Liechtenstein had a painting seized by French authorities amid suspicion that it was a forgery.  It is feared that up to 25 more ‘Old Masters’ will be revealed as possible fakes in the coming weeks after a judge launched an investigation.

Experts are particularly concerned because the alleged fakes are so difficult to spot from the real thing.  They lack any credible provenance and references in the numerous publications about these artists. According to the experts the  principal dealers should have been suspicious.

 

VENUS

By the German Old Master

Lucas Cranach the Elder (1473-1552)

‘AN UNKNOWN MAN’

By the Dutch Old Master

Frans Hal (1582-1666)

The suspect ‘Old Masters’ said to be by artists including Frans Hals and Lucas Cranach have been described as the “BIGGEST SCANDAL IN A CENTURY”.

These painters can be resold in the international market for millions and tens of millions.  They are very hot names in the business and are much sought-after.

There has been nothing like this since the “early Vermeer” scandal of the 1940s when doubt was cast on a number of pictures by the Dutch Master.

 

Best Wishes

Claire Moore BA(Hons)

GALLERY MANAGER

 

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