Art Fraud

'A lively and illuminating window into a shadowy corner of the art world.' – Publishers Weekly Step inside the astonishing world of art forgery, where masterpieces are faked, fortunes are made, and almost no one is who they seem. Art Fraud reveals the true stories behind some of the greatest scams in art history, where con artists forged their way to fame, fortune or infamy.  Discover the motivations and methods of master forgers, from Eric Hebborn’s faked Old masters to Han van Meegeren’s deception of the Nazis. Meet eccentric copyists, bitter experts, and insiders who turned against the institutions they once admired. Each chapter tells the story of a different forger, weaving in the investigations that finally unmasked them and the secrets they left behind.  Written by bestselling author and art historian Susie Hodge, this is a fascinating, brilliantly researched collection that blurs the line between genius and fraud. Whether you are an art lover, a true crime reader or simply curious about how the art world really works, this book is full of twists, scandals and unforgettable characters.

Susie Hodge is a UK-based author who has written over 100 books for adults and children. An experienced teacher and lecturer, Susie also holds an MA in Art History from Birkbeck, University of London and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Introduction Chapter 1 Did He or Didn’t He? Chapter 2 The ‘Vermeer’ That Fooled the Nazis  Chapter 3 Genuine Fakes  Chapter 4 Crusade Against the Art World  Chapter 5 Forger of the Century Chapter 6 The Faker’s Handbook  Chapter 7 The Art World is Rotten Chapter 8 A Legal Forgery Chapter 9 The Garden Shed Gang Chapter 10 The Last Word in German Art Chapter 11 The Perfect Forger Chapter 12 F is for Fake Chapter 13 From Garage to Gallery Chapter 14 Revenge on the Art World Conclusion Acknowledgements  About the Author  Further Reading  Index Picture Credits