Books matching: art forgery
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- #1
Save:'The Forger's Spell' by Edward Dolnick is a multifaceted book that delves into the fascinating world of art forgery during the 1930s and 1940s. It narrates the story of Han Van Meegeren, a forger who specialized in creating and selling fake Vermeer paintings to art experts and even Nazi art collector Hermann Goering. The book explores Van Meegeren's techniques, the historical context of Nazi looting of Europe, and the art world's gullibility. Through a blend of biography, history, and art forgery, the book sheds light on the intricate deception and the consequences faced by the forger when his true identity is revealed.
The narrative of 'The Forger's Spell' is described as a roller coaster ride through the art world during World War II, showcasing the egos of various individuals involved in the deception. From the forger's ambition to the art historian's fascination and the Nazi leader's avid art collecting, the book weaves a tale of misattributions, groupthink, and the power dynamics within the art world. It explores themes of illusion versus reality, the psychology of forgery, and the consequences faced by those involved in the intricate web of deceit.
Until almost the very end, Han van Meegeren thought he had committed the perfect crime. He had pocketed more than $3 million—the equivalent of about $30 million today—and scarcely a trace of scandal c... - #2
Save:The Art of Forgery by Noah Charney explores the complex world of art forgery, examining the motivations behind why individuals create fakes. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various facets of forgery, including pride, fame, and greed. Each chapter offers brief but intriguing insights into historical forgers and the methods they employed, which keeps the narrative engaging. The layout is unconventional, featuring beautiful illustrations and high-quality production, making it visually appealing as well.
Charney's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book suitable for readers without extensive knowledge of art. While the chapters are relatively short, this brevity encourages further exploration of the subject, with a comprehensive bibliography provided for those interested in delving deeper. The balance of psychological analysis and historical case studies offers a fascinating introduction to art forgery that captivates and educates its audience.
- #3
Save:'Provenance' by Laney Salisbury dives into the intricate world of art forgery and deception orchestrated by John Drewe and John Myatt. Drewe, the mastermind behind the scheme, dupes Myatt, a struggling artist, into creating and selling forged masterpieces with authentic provenance to top dealers. The narrative unfolds with years of research, detailing Drewe's elaborate impersonations and sales of modern artworks, all while exploring the disintegration of moral and ethical standards in society. expertly weaves together a fast-paced story of intrigue in the art world, showcasing the complexities of art scams, the importance of archives, and the long-running crime that deceived experts and art lovers alike.
One sunny April afternoon in 1990 two Englishmen strode up the steps of London’s Tate Gallery, passed beneath the imposing statues atop the pediment—Britannia, the lion, and the unicorn—and made their... - #4
Save:'The Art Forger' by Barbara A. Shapiro revolves around the protagonist Claire Roth, a struggling young artist who finds herself embroiled in the world of art forgery. The story delves into the intricate world of fine art, the politics of gallery shows, and the value placed on possession versus intrinsic content. Claire, after being blacklisted as 'the great pretender,' gets entangled in a Faustian bargain to create a copy of a stolen Degas painting, leading to a series of twists and turns that keep the readers engaged. The novel sheds light on the complexities of the art world, the struggles of artists, and the blurred lines between authenticity and forgery.
The writing style of Barbara A. Shapiro in 'The Art Forger' is described as engaging, introspective, and insightful. not only provides a thrilling plot but also offers readers a glimpse into the world of art forgery, the value of expert opinions, and the emotional turmoil faced by the characters. Through Claire's journey, the author explores themes of love, betrayal, passion, and the quest for recognition in the competitive art world, making it a compelling read for those interested in art, mystery, and human nature.
I step back and scrutinize the paintings. There are eleven, although I have hundreds, maybe thousands. My plan is to show him only pieces from my window series. Or not. I pull my cell from my pocket, ... - #5
Save:'The Recognitions' by William Gaddis is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into themes of forgery, fraud, art, religion, and the postmodern condition. The book follows a wide array of characters through various settings such as Paris, New York, and Spain, with each section bringing new scenes and characters that challenge the reader's perception. The writing style is described as intense, with each sentence packed with meaning and a vast array of references to literature and the arts, making it a challenging yet engrossing read.
Even Camilla had enjoyed masquerades, of the safe sort where the mask may be dropped at that critical moment it presumes itself as reality. But the procession up the foreign hill, bounded by cypress t... - #6
Save:The Modigliani Scandal by Ken Follett is a novel set in the art world, revolving around art forgeries, auction houses, and the hunt for an undiscovered masterpiece by Modigliani. The story features a mix of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, all intertwined in a plot filled with deception, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as being raw and not fully developed, with some readers finding it dated and lacking in depth compared to Follett's later works.
THE BAKER SCRATCHED HIS black mustache with a floury finger, turning the hair gray and unintentionally making himself look ten years older. Around him the shelves and counters were full of long loaves... - #7
Save:In 'Ripley Under Ground', the second book in the Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith, the sociopathic protagonist Tom Ripley finds himself entangled in an art fraud scheme involving forged paintings of a deceased artist. As Ripley navigates through a web of deception and murder to protect his illicit operation, the tension rises, leading to a suspenseful and dark narrative. The book delves into Ripley's manipulative nature, his ability to evade suspicion, and the moral ambiguity that surrounds his actions, all set against a backdrop of intricate plotting and elegant writing.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ripley ) - #8
Save:'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' by Dominic Smith is a multi-layered story that spans across different time periods and locations, focusing on the lives of a female Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a wealthy collector Marty de Groot, and a young art historian and restorer Ellie Shipley. The narrative weaves between the 1600s in Holland, the 1950s in the U.S., and the year 2000 in Australia, where all these characters' paths intersect. The book delves into the world of art, forgery, and the roles of women in the art world, providing a captivating and informative exploration of Dutch landscape painting and the intricate process of creating and detecting forgeries.
The painting is stolen the same week the Russians put a dog into space. Plucked from the wall right above the marital bed during a charity dinner for orphans. This is how Marty de Groot will tell the ... - #9
Save:The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber is a gripping thriller set in the art world, where a contemporary artist finds himself mysteriously flashing back into the life of master painter Velasquez. The book delves into themes of authenticity, memory, and art, while providing fascinating insights into the world of expensive art and art forgery. With a complex plot and multi-layered characters, the story unfolds in various locations such as Venice, New York, Rome, and Madrid, offering a compelling exploration of the art world through the eyes of expert forgers, private collectors, and art dealers.
Gruber's writing style in The Forgery of Venus is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and immersive. Readers praise the depth and nuance he brings to the narrative, as well as his ability to weave together elements of reality, art, and illusion into a page-turning tale that is both enjoyable and informative. The book is commended for its original concept, intriguing plot twists, and the way it seamlessly combines historical references with contemporary themes, creating an atmosphere that captivates readers from start to finish.
"I'll lay a bet," said Sancho, "that before long there won't be a tavern, roadside inn, hostelry, or barber's shop where the story of our doings won't be painted up; but I'd like it painted by the han... - #10
Save:"And Only to Deceive" by Tasha Alexander follows the story of Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her late husband's life and death. Through exploring her husband's interests in Greek antiquities and his mysterious past, Lady Emily finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and secrets. Set in Victorian England, the novel combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a glimpse into upper-class society and the struggles faced by independent women during that era. The plot unfolds as Lady Emily navigates through societal expectations, uncovers art forgeries, and grapples with the complexities of love and loss.
The writing style of Tasha Alexander in "And Only to Deceive" is described as engaging, light, and entertaining by readers. features a strong and complex heroine, Lady Emily, who evolves from a seemingly shallow character to a determined investigator, challenging the norms of her time. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as Lady Emily delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her husband's life, ultimately leading to unexpected revelations and discoveries.
FEW PEOPLE WOULD LOOK KINDLY ON MY REASONS FOR marrying Philip; neither love nor money nor his title induced me to accept his proposal. Yet, as I look across the spans of Aegean Sea filling the view f...
