Not Really a Fake

I read an article recently about an unusual discovery in the art world. A work of art originally thought to be a fake is now after further examination considered to be an original work of art. The painting first thought to be the work of the notorious 20th century faker Van Meegeren at the Courtauld Institute Galleries is not a fake.

It seems that the Courtauld Institute acquired a painting, The Procuress, thought to be a Van Meegeren fake that was recovered by the Dutch. There was not a significant amount of investigating at the time to confirm that this work was created by fake artist Van Meegeren.

I find it interesting that when this painting was given to the Courtauld in 1960 it was just accepted that this was truly a Van Meegeren fake. There was little investigation of its origin. This picture was part of a touring show on fakes in 1952-53 before being acquired by Courtauld. This work was loaned out to 3 different galleries over the years. It is now believed after close examination and investigation by the experts, this work is the 17th century version of The Procuress by Baburen.

You will find a catalog from the Courtauld Institute along with other great art catalogs, books and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com