Saturday, 29 September 2012

Van Dyke Or Not?

This Sunday sees the last episode of the fascinating art series Fake or Fortune? 2 on BBC One at 7pm (CLICK). This week the team investigates one of Philip Mould's purchases, which he believes is a "sleeper" painted by Sir Anthony Van Dyck. The problem is that there has been some later overpainting. This layer needs to be removed before the work can be authenticated by an independent Van Dyke expert. Has the art detective bought a pig in a poke? If you're thinking of betting against him, be warned that two years ago he bought Sir Anthony Van Dyck's Portrait of a Young Girl (left) for the bargain price of £880,000 (CLICK). Top is a photo of Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould with his new painting possibly by Van Dyke.

posted by Unknown @ 29.9.12   4 comments

4 Comments:

At 29/9/12, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If it was bought for £880,000, what would it be worth today please? It's a shame that this delightful series comes to an end! Maybe they will bring it back sooner than next year.

 
At 29/9/12, Blogger Unknown said...

Now that it's been cleaned and authenticated, Philip reckons it's worth 3 times what he paid for it. Originally it appeared at auction for very much less than £880,000, billed as by a follower of Van Dyck. It seems as though another expert thought it was the real deal and engaged in a bidding war with Philip.

Yes, shame the series is so short. Don't hold your breath for series 3. A lot of work goes into Fake or Fortune and the team need to wait months for results.

 
At 30/9/12, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Having just watched the wonderful Fake or Fortune, the delight at seeing how they restored this masterpiece to its former glory, was a sight to behold. Three cheers to the BBC for making this programme. Art has never looked as good on television and now it is hooking even those like myself, who know nothing about art.

 
At 30/9/12, Blogger Unknown said...

The restoration alone cost £35,000 and took 6 months to complete. Not to be undertaken lightly!

 

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