The Gentle Art of Faking

The book takes listeners on a sweeping tour of the hidden craft of art imitation, tracing its origins from the public galleries of ancient Greece through the bustling markets of Rome and into today’s global auction houses. With more than thirty vivid illustrations, it shows how the figure of the faker—part artist, part trickster—has long stood beside collectors, dealers and restorers in a delicate dance of desire and deception. The author treats the faker not merely as a criminal but as a cultural intermediary, exploring how social attitudes and economic pressures have shaped his methods across the ages.

Readers discover the thin line that separates a respectful copy from a deliberate fraud, and how that boundary has shifted as taste, wealth, and the appetite for the rare have evolved. From the Roman plunder of temple statues to Renaissance workshop replicas and the 20th‑century hype that fuels modern forgeries, each era reveals fresh motives and clever techniques. The narrative blends scholarly insight with a wry sense of humor, making the complex history of counterfeit art accessible and surprisingly engaging.