Original or Costly Mistake?

A story in The New York Times about a woman arrested for trafficking in forgeries of Abstract Expressionist paintings brought to mind the idea that it must be easier to fake a Jackson Pollock than a Rembrandt. For one thing, even the experts are often stymied by supposed originals. They resort, in the case of Andy Warhol (who produced multiples of silk screened stock photos), to hiring experts who reputedly can determine if there is any mention of painting X in the artist’s recorded oeuvre. In other words, is there any proof the artist did this? Like evidence of a crime, only experts, we’re led to believe, who are extraordinarily familiar with the artist’s work, can discern the correct attribution: original or bogus original.

In the case of accused tax dodger and agent for phony art, Glafira Rosales, who is now in jail awaiting trial it's now pretty clear than her supposed gold is actually pyrite. If found guilty of these crimes, the 56 year-old could face five years. Not so bad for duping dozens of wealthy non-experts, not to say fools, and scoring over $15 million. And in the bargain she also brought down Knoedler Gallery in New York, probably the most visible international dealer in modern the art of the Abstract Expressionists.

Reading between the lines in the story, I got the impression that the FBI had agents on the case for some time. Then the IRS got involved, since Mr. Rosales had not paid taxes on her millions. And since she is a Spanish national who  stashed her loot in Spain, I can only guess what European officials came to bear down on her.

But back to the question of authenticity. It has often been said, to the point of tedium, when looking at a Pollock or a Rothko, et al, that “my ten year old daughter could do that”. Which could be true if the girl had been painting for decades, learning a subtle craft and then applying her knowledge and intuitions to major works that hang  in museums and private homes world-wide. No, I want to put that notion to rest. No youngster could conceivably make a Pollock or a Rothko, not even the immature works by these modern masters. I know none of this is convincing if you insist on remaining ignorant, but try to hear me over the noise in your consciousness, this is great art, contributing great things, great ideas and great accomplishment to history. We will never see their likes again.

 

Here's a fun brain tickler: which one's the forgery? The top is "Elegy To The Spanish Republic" The bottom is I don't know. Both cost millions. One is worth less than the canvas it's painted on. But then, who cares? My ten year old could do this.