Title: Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art
Author: Laney Salisbury
First published July 9, 2009
327 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781594202209 (ISBN10: 1594202206)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art by Laney Salisbury is a riveting account of one of the most shocking art frauds of the 20th century. Unfolding like a captivating thriller, investigative reporters Salisbury and Aly Sujo take readers on a journey through the art world, following the exploits of John Drewe, a notorious con man who manipulated the archives of the British art world to create a web of deception that would change art history forever.
With the unwitting help of struggling artist John Myatt, Drewe managed to introduce at least 200 forged paintings into the art world, many of which are still hanging in prominent museums and private collections to this day. Salisbury and Sujo shine a light on the intricate web of lies and deceit that Drewe spun, and the devastating consequences of his actions.
Provenance is a meticulously researched and captivating true story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Editoral Review
Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art by Laney Salisbury is a non-fiction book that delves into the world of art forgery and the criminal mind behind it. Published on July 9, 2009, Salisbury’s book provides a compelling account of one of the most audacious art frauds in history.
The book falls under the category of true crime and is written in a journalistic style.
The book tells the story of John Drewe, a con man who managed to infiltrate the art establishment in London during the 1980s and 1990s. Drewe used his charm, intelligence, and knowledge of art history to gain the trust of some of the most prominent figures in the art world.
He then proceeded to forge and falsify the provenance of dozens of artworks, making them appear more valuable than they actually were. The book also introduces us to John Myatt, the artist who created the fake paintings and who was eventually caught and prosecuted.
Salisbury’s writing is both engaging and informative. She provides detailed descriptions of the artworks involved in the fraud, as well as the intricate web of lies and deceit that Drewe spun around them.
She also introduces us to the real people affected by the fraud, such as the collectors who spent millions on fake paintings and the experts who were misled by Drewe’s convincing stories.
One of the strengths of Provenance is Salisbury’s ability to not only tell a compelling story but also to provide insight into the art world and the psychology of a con man. She explores the cultural and historical significance of art forgery and how it has evolved over time.
The book also sheds light on the vulnerabilities of the art market and the importance of provenance in determining the value of artworks.
However, the book’s pacing can be slow at times, with Salisbury delving into too much detail about minor characters or events. Additionally, while the book provides a thorough account of the fraud, it lacks a sense of urgency or tension that would make it more gripping.
Overall, Provenance is a well-researched and informative book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of art forgery. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the art world or true crime stories.
I would give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
