Travis Simpkins: "Forged: Why Fakes are the Great Art of Our Time" by Jonathon Keats

Forged: Why Fakes are the Great Art of Our Time

by Jonathon Keats

Oxford University Press, 2013

Review by Travis Simpkins

Advancements in scientific analysis and methods of fraud detection have served to cleanse the art market of a large number of fakes, but have not dissuaded forgers from counterbalancing the scales with shrewd new tricks of their own. In his 2013 book, Forged: Why Fakes are the Great Art of Our Age, Jonathon Keats not only presents an overview of modern art forgery, but offers a bold new viewpoint… highlighting the innovation and artistry that forgers have employed in their craft, and tying it in with image appropriation in the world of Contemporary Art. At just 175 pages, the book provides a concise and well documented argument with abundant footnotes. Six 20th Century forgers are profiled: Lothar Malskat, who forged the "restoration" of medieval wall paintings in the 1930's. Alceo Dossena, whose precise craftsmanship in producing Renaissance-style forged sculpture still baffles experts. Han van Meegeren, the infamous forger who duped Nazi commander Hermann Goering into buying one of his fake Vermeers. Eric Hebborn, an expert draftsman, who specialized in forging master drawings. Elmyr de Hory, who was featured in Orson Welles' "F for Fake" documentary along with his faux biographer, Clifford Irving. And the ever-likeable Tom Keating, the burly Brit whose powerful personality equaled his dexterity with brush and paint. Perhaps, most intriguing, is the final chapter in which Keats lets loose and directs his attention at the blurred lines of image appropriation in contemporary art, including Andy Warhol's "Mona Lisa" and borrowed images by the elusive Banksy, who has notably referenced Vermeer in his graffiti work. All in all, Forged is a well-written, fascinating and quick read. It offers an intriguing historical overview, while allowing room for constructive thought.