The Intriguing World of the Museum of Art Fakes in Vienna
The Master of Forgery: Edgar Mrugalla
Edgar Mrugalla, a prolific German artist, was an expert art forger, skillfully replicating the works of renowned masters like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Renoir. His self-taught skill earned him both admiration and a prison sentence. However, his remarkable forgeries later became the inspiration for the Museum of Art Fakes in Vienna.
The Museum of Art Fakes: A Showcase of Deception
Founded in 2005, the Museum of Art Fakes houses a unique collection of forged artworks, paying homage to the art of forgery and its fascinating history. The museum’s exhibits showcase the works of notorious forgers like Edgar Mrugalla, Tom Keating, Eric Hebborn, and Han van Meegeren. Each forger had their own distinct style and motivations, creating a captivating narrative of stolen creativity and intellectual property.
Unveiling the Forgers’ Techniques
The forgers featured in the museum employed various methods to create their deceptive masterpieces. Some received formal training, while others were self-taught, driven by a passion for art. Regardless of their backgrounds, they all shared a common goal: to deceive the art world and profit from their imitations.
The Art of Deception: Defining Genuine Fakes
The museum curators meticulously label each artwork to accurately convey its status as a forgery. Three main categories exist:
- Copies: Legitimate reproductions of existing artworks, clearly labeled as not being created by the original artist.
- Standard Forgeries: Works created in the style of a specific artist and falsely attributed to them.
- Identical Forgeries: Exact replicas of existing artworks, falsely labeled with the original artist’s name.
Notable Forgeries: Unveiling the Skill and Deception
Among the museum’s highlights is Tom Keating’s forged Jean Puy painting. Keating ingeniously concealed “time bombs” within his work, such as unusual materials, deliberate flaws, and hidden inscriptions visible only under X-ray.
Another remarkable forgery is Han van Meegeren’s “Emmaus,” a painting initially attributed to Johannes Vermeer. Van Meegeren’s forgery was so convincing that it was sold to an art museum for the modern equivalent of $6 million.
The Legal Labyrinth: Art Law and Forgeries
The museum also sheds light on the legal implications of art forgery. While creating a forgery is not illegal in itself, selling it as an original violates the law, highlighting the fine line between imitation and deception.
The Museum’s Mission: Education and Prevention
Beyond showcasing forged artworks, the Museum of Art Fakes aims to educate the public about art law and the consequences of forgery. By exposing the tactics and motivations of forgers, the museum hopes to prevent further fraud in the art market, safeguarding the integrity of the art world.
A Thriving Collection: The Museum’s Evolving Narrative
The museum’s collection continues to grow as new acquisitions are made, each piece adding a new chapter to the ongoing story of art forgery. Visitors can explore the museum’s ever-expanding exhibits, immersing themselves in the captivating world of deception and artistry.