Title: The Man Who Made Vermeers: Unvarnishing the Legend of Master Forger Han van Meegeren
Author: Jonathan Lopez
First published July 28, 2008
340 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780151013418 (ISBN10: 0151013411)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
For years, the name Han van Meegeren has been synonymous with the art world’s greatest forgery. But what if everything we knew about the man was a lie?
In The Man Who Made Vermeers, author Jonathan Lopez delves deep into the life of this notorious forger, unearthing a tale of deceit, greed, and cunning that spans decades. Through meticulous research and interviews with Van Meegeren’s accomplices, Lopez reveals the true nature of the man behind the legend.
Far from the misunderstood artist or wartime hero, Van Meegeren was a masterful criminal, using his talent with a paintbrush to pull off some of the most audacious art scams of the 20th century. From his early days as a struggling painter to his rise to infamy in the high-stakes world of art dealing, this is the story of a man who lived by his wits and his brushstrokes.
With fascinating detail and a sharp eye for the absurdities of the art world, The Man Who Made Vermeers is a compelling portrait of a singular figure in history.
About the Author
Jonathan Lopez is an accomplished writer and editor with a focus on art, culture, and literature. He has contributed to various publications including The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and Art and Antiques, where he serves as editor-at-large.
His book, The Man Who Made Vermeers, is a fascinating biography of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch art forger. Jonathan conducted extensive archival research and interviews in five different countries to bring this story to life.
The book was a finalist for the National Award for Arts Writing and the Edgar Award in the fact crime category.
Jonathan’s expertise and passion for the arts has led to contributions in other publications such as Dutch magazine, and he continues to be a prominent voice in the field.
Editoral Review
In “The Man Who Made Vermeers: Unvarnishing the Legend of Master Forger Han van Meegeren,” author Jonathan Lopez presents an intriguing and meticulously researched account of one of the most notorious art forgers of the 20th century.
Lopez delves into the life and work of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch artist who became famous for his near-perfect forgeries of paintings by none other than the Dutch Old Master Johannes Vermeer.
Lopez masterfully takes readers through the intricate steps taken by van Meegeren to create these forgeries, and the complex machinations and cover-ups which allowed him to sell these fakes to museums, galleries, and collectors for millions of dollars.
Lopez’s work is not just about the art world, however, but about the broader historical, cultural, and social context of van Meegeren’s times.
He dives into the political and social upheavals of mid-20th century Europe, examining the intersection of the art world and Nazi looting, and the complex emotional and moral motivations that might drive someone to become an art forger.
The book is a fascinating insight into the world of forgery and deception and the lengths some will go to deceive and profit at others’ expense.
Lopez carefully uncovers the intricate details of van Meegeren’s life and art-makings, leading readers through a tangled web of truth and falsehoods. Lopez’s writing is elegant and measured, with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art of the Old Masters.
He deftly builds tension and momentum throughout the book, taking readers on a thoroughly engaging journey.
The only drawback of the book is that it might appeal mainly to those interested in art history and forgeries but not so much to those outside the art world.
Additionally, starting the book may seem a bit dense and slow as the author sets the context for the story. Still, Lopez’s engaging style and insights make the book fascinating and informative despite the somewhat dry-seeming subject matter.
Overall, “The Man Who Made Vermeers” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and history or the fascinating world of art forgeries. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5/5
