The art world is no stranger to deception, and Wanganui artist Peter Ireland has brought to light yet another case of forgery. Ireland, who recently exposed a counterfeit Gottfried Lindauer painting at the Waikato Museum of Art and History, believes that many more fraudulent artworks are waiting to be discovered.
Peter Ireland, a Wanganui artist, recently uncovered a fake Gottfried Lindauer painting at the Waikato Museum of Art and History. This revelation has sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of art forgeries. Ireland's discovery took 10 months to be acknowledged by the painting's owners, Trust Waikato, who have since involved the police and legal experts. The painting, depicting Tainui chief Kewene Te Haho, was purchased for $121,000 in 2001 and is suspected to be the work of notorious forger Karl Sim. Ireland's findings highlight the ongoing issue of art forgery and the need for vigilance in the art community.
Peter Ireland's journey to uncovering the fake Lindauer painting began during a visit to an exhibition by fellow Wanganui artist, potter Paul Maseyk. While exploring the museum, Ireland noticed the painting of Tainui chief Kewene Te Haho and immediately suspected it was not an authentic Lindauer. "It took just two minutes of looking at it to realize it wasn't a Lindauer," Ireland stated.
Ireland's suspicions set off a lengthy investigation. It took 10 months from the time he reported the forgery for Trust Waikato, the painting's owners, to take action. The painting, purchased at auction in 2001 for $121,000, was eventually scrutinized, leading to the involvement of the police and legal experts.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Trust Waikato purchases the painting for $121,000 |
| 2022 | Peter Ireland identifies the painting as a forgery |
| 2023 | Trust Waikato initiates an investigation and involves the police |
Ireland suspects that the forgery may be the work of Karl Sim, a notorious forger who often replicated the works of CF Goldie. Sim, who legally changed his name to Carl Feodor Goldie, was known for his skill in creating convincing forgeries of famous New Zealand artists. His activities have cast a long shadow over the art community, raising concerns about the authenticity of many artworks.
Art forgery is a significant issue in the art world. According to the Fine Arts Expert Institute (FAEI) in Geneva, over 50% of the artworks it examines are either forged or misattributed. This statistic underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in the art market.
Ireland's discovery highlights the ongoing issue of art forgery and the need for vigilance within the art community. Museums, collectors, and art enthusiasts must remain cautious and employ rigorous authentication processes to ensure the integrity of their collections.
Peter Ireland's exposure of the fake Lindauer painting serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of art forgeries. As the art world continues to grapple with this issue, it is crucial to prioritize authenticity and transparency. By doing so, the art community can protect its cultural heritage and maintain the trust of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For more information on art forgery and its impact, visit The Art Newspaper and The New York Times.
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