Tsuktiben Jamir
The intriguing exhibition “Art and Artifice: Fakes from the Collection” at the London Courtauld Gallery reveals a series of fantastic art forgeries, illuminating art’s misleading nature. This exhibition explores purposeful fabrication to question the idea of accidental forgery. Through the exhibition, the Courtauld Gallery, which is associated with a prestigious postgraduate school of art history, presents a stimulating examination of the practice of deceit.
The exhibition will be on display from 17th June- 8th October 2023 and features about 25 drawings and seven paintings, among other artistic works from the Courtauld’s collection. Many of these pieces are displayed publicly for the first time, each carrying a fascinating story behind its creation and the subsequent revelation of its deceit.
A seascape credited to John Constable that the artist’s family graciously provided is one of the false artworks displayed at the exhibition. Further analysis by Courtauld specialists revealed a watermark dated the 1840s, many years after the artist’s passing in 1837, which determined it to be a counterfeit. ‘The Virgin and Child’, a picture formerly considered a masterpiece by Sandro Botticelli, is another notable counterfeit appearing at the exhibition. When the Virgin’s uncanny likeness to a famous 1920s movie actress aroused suspicion, its natural origin was exposed. Moreover, further investigation revealed the usage of modern pigments in the painting, finally revealing the fabrication.
Courtesy: The Courtauld, London.
Every piece on exhibit is a snapshot of a particular period in the history of forgery and the mystery surrounding it. It is interesting because visitors can dig into false art while learning about forgers’ strategies and the narratives accompanying their works. The shown fakes serve as cautionary stories and helpful teaching resources for art history students. The exhibition reveals the weaknesses of even well-known organisations and collectors who unwittingly bought and applauded fake artwork.
Courtesy: Forbes.
The practice of deception in the art world has recently cropped up. This has existed throughout history. Soon after Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s death in 1569, imitations of his drawings started appearing in the market to meet the demand for his artworks. Another elaborate illustration by Bruegel’s contemporary, Jacob Savery, is shown in the exhibition. Over time, the forgers have grown in infamy. A Courtauld professor brought a painting by Han van Meegeren, who was notably tried for peddling false Vermeers to Nazi officials back from World War II. A drawing by famed British forger Eric Hebborn, who boasted about his trade and said many of his forgeries, which imitated masterpieces like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, are undiscovered, is also on display in the exhibition.
The exhibition indeed provides insight into the ongoing battle against art counterfeiting. It serves as a reminder that authenticity in the art industry is a challenging endeavour that frequently calls for a critical eye and thorough investigation. The show highlights the commitment and knowledge needed to decipher superb fabrication by combining these misleading works.
Exhibition Dates:
17th June- 8th October 2023
10.00 – 18.00 (last entry 17.15)
Venue:
The Courtauld Gallery
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN, United Kingdom.
