Provenance

1. The Allure of Art and the Seeds of Deceit

It was called a confidence game. Why? Because you give me your confidence? No. Because I give you mine.

The art world's appeal. The book opens by highlighting the allure of the art world, a realm of beauty, culture, and immense financial value. This sets the stage for understanding how individuals like John Drewe, with a keen eye for opportunity, could exploit its complexities and vulnerabilities. The art world, with its blend of aesthetics and investment, attracts both genuine enthusiasts and those seeking status or financial gain.

Drewe's calculated charm. John Drewe, a man of many guises, strategically cultivates relationships within the art world, using his charm and apparent wealth to gain access to exclusive circles. His ability to project confidence and knowledge allows him to manipulate others, laying the foundation for his elaborate scheme. Drewe's background in science provides him with a unique perspective, viewing the art market as a puzzle to be solved and a system to be exploited.

The importance of trust. The quote emphasizes the reciprocal nature of a confidence game, where the con artist gains the victim's trust by first offering their own. This dynamic is crucial in understanding how Drewe was able to infiltrate the art world and convince others to participate in his scheme, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The art world, built on reputation and trust, becomes a fertile ground for deception.

2. A Partnership Forged in Financial Desperation

In the middle of the night he would wake, overcome by the feeling that he was washed up, trapped in the rolling hills of western central England.

Myatt's dire circumstances. The narrative introduces John Myatt, a talented but struggling painter facing financial ruin and personal hardship. This vulnerability makes him susceptible to Drewe's manipulative influence, as Drewe offers him a lifeline out of his desperate situation. Myatt's artistic talent, combined with his financial desperation, creates a perfect storm for the partnership to form.

Drewe's manipulative offer. Drewe's initial commission of a "nice Matisse" serves as the catalyst for their relationship, but it quickly evolves into something more sinister. Drewe recognizes Myatt's talent for imitation and exploits his financial vulnerability to draw him into a scheme of art forgery. The offer of steady income and validation as an artist proves too tempting for Myatt to resist.

The lure of easy money. The quote captures Myatt's sense of hopelessness and confinement, highlighting the desperation that drives him to accept Drewe's offer. The promise of easy money and a way out of his financial woes blinds him to the ethical implications of his actions. This sets the stage for Myatt's descent into the world of art forgery, driven by a desire to provide for his children and escape his bleak circumstances.

3. The Art of Forgery: Skill Meets Opportunity

Brush in hand, surrounded by art books he’d borrowed from the library, he would fall into a kind of empathetic trance and lunge at the canvas, stroking away and then stepping back to imagine how the artist might have pulled the painting off.

Myatt's artistic talent. The book emphasizes John Myatt's exceptional ability to mimic the styles of various artists, a skill honed through years of practice and a deep understanding of art history. This talent becomes the foundation of their forgery scheme, as Myatt can create convincing imitations that fool even experienced art experts. Myatt's ability to "stand in someone else's shoes" allows him to capture the essence of different artists, making his forgeries remarkably authentic.

The evolution of the scam. Initially, Myatt believes he is simply creating "genuine fakes" for clients who cannot afford original artworks. However, as Drewe's scheme evolves, Myatt becomes increasingly aware that his paintings are being passed off as authentic works, crossing the line into illegal activity. The lure of easy money and Drewe's manipulative influence keep Myatt complicit in the scheme.

The quote captures Myatt's artistic process. It highlights his ability to immerse himself in the style of another artist, suggesting a deep understanding of technique and composition. This skill, combined with his financial desperation, makes him the perfect partner for Drewe's scheme. The quote also hints at the potential for Myatt's talent to be used for good, had he not been drawn into the world of forgery.

4. Crafting the Illusion: Provenance as the Ultimate Art Form

Today, it is this documentary record of ownership, as much as any professional evaluation of quality or artistic style, that confirms the authenticity of a work of art. In the world of art, the process is known as establishing provenance.

The power of provenance. The book reveals the crucial role of provenance in the art world, where a documented history of ownership can be as important as the artwork itself. Drewe recognizes this and focuses on creating elaborate and convincing provenances for Myatt's forgeries, making them appear legitimate to potential buyers. Provenance becomes the ultimate art form, as Drewe weaves together fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative for each painting.

Infiltration and manipulation. Drewe strategically cultivates relationships with archivists and art historians, gaining access to valuable documents and information that he can use to enhance his forgeries' provenances. He exploits the trust and goodwill of these individuals, manipulating them into unknowingly contributing to his scheme. Drewe's ability to blend into the art world and gain the confidence of its gatekeepers is essential to his success.

The quote highlights the importance of provenance. It emphasizes that a well-documented history of ownership can outweigh even expert evaluations of artistic merit. This understanding allows Drewe to focus on crafting convincing provenances, knowing that they will be the key to selling Myatt's forgeries. The quote also underscores the vulnerability of the art world, where the pursuit of authenticity can be easily manipulated.

5. The Web of Deception Expands

Art is no longer priceless, it is priceful.

The art market boom. The book describes the booming art market of the late 20th century, where prices soared and art became increasingly viewed as an investment. This environment creates a fertile ground for fraud, as wealthy collectors and investors are eager to acquire works, often without proper due diligence. The commodification of art, driven by financial speculation, makes it easier for forgeries to slip through the cracks.

Recruiting accomplices. Drewe expands his operation by recruiting a network of runners, dealers, and other individuals who unknowingly or knowingly participate in his scheme. These accomplices help him to sell Myatt's forgeries and create a sense of legitimacy around his operation. The promise of financial gain and the allure of the art world entice others to become involved, further complicating the web of deception.

The quote captures the shift in the art world. It highlights the increasing emphasis on price and investment value, rather than artistic merit. This shift creates an environment where forgeries can thrive, as collectors are more concerned with acquiring a valuable asset than appreciating the art itself. The quote also underscores the ethical compromises that occur in a market driven by greed.

6. Cracks in the Facade: Doubt and Discovery

Frequently there is a tender complicity between faker and victim: I want you to believe that such and such is the case, says the faker; if you want to believe it, too, and in order to cement that belief, you, for your part, will give me a great deal of money, and I, for my part, will laugh behind your back. The deal is done.

Mibus's growing suspicions. The narrative introduces Adrian Mibus, an art dealer who begins to suspect that the de Staël painting he purchased from Drewe is a fake. This marks a turning point in the story, as Mibus's doubts expose the cracks in Drewe's carefully constructed facade. Mibus's experience highlights the challenges of authenticating artworks and the potential for even experienced dealers to be deceived.

Palmer's unwavering pursuit. Mary Lisa Palmer, a dedicated art historian and expert on Giacometti, emerges as a formidable force in uncovering the forgery scheme. Her keen eye and unwavering commitment to protecting Giacometti's legacy lead her to question the authenticity of a painting in a Sotheby's auction, setting off a chain of events that will eventually expose Drewe's operation. Palmer's expertise and determination serve as a counterpoint to Drewe's deception.

The quote captures the dynamic between forger and victim. It suggests that the victim often plays a role in their own deception, driven by a desire to believe in the authenticity of the artwork. This complicity makes it easier for the forger to succeed, as the victim is willing to overlook red flags and accept the illusion. The quote also highlights the cynical nature of the con, where the forger ultimately mocks the victim for their gullibility.

7. The Walls Close In: Investigation and Exposure

It’s called a confidence game. Why? Because you give me your confidence? No. Because I give you mine.

The Art Squad's involvement. As evidence mounts, Detective Sergeant Jonathan Searle of Scotland Yard's Art and Antiques Squad takes on the case, recognizing the scale and sophistication of Drewe's operation. Searle's methodical investigation and expertise in art history prove crucial in unraveling the complex web of deception. The Art Squad's involvement marks a shift from suspicion to active pursuit, signaling the beginning of the end for Drewe's scheme.

Goudsmid's betrayal. Batsheva Goudsmid, Drewe's former partner, becomes a key witness in the investigation, providing valuable information about his activities and motivations. Her decision to cooperate with the police marks a turning point in the case, as she offers insider knowledge that helps to expose Drewe's methods and identify his accomplices. Goudsmid's betrayal underscores the personal cost of Drewe's deception, as his actions ultimately destroy his relationships and lead to his downfall.

The quote emphasizes the deceptive nature of the confidence game. It highlights the con artist's ability to gain the victim's trust by appearing to be trustworthy themselves. This dynamic is crucial in understanding how Drewe was able to manipulate others and maintain his facade for so long. The quote also underscores the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in protecting oneself from deception.

8. Justice Served, Legacy Tarnished

Art is no longer priceless, it is priceful.

Drewe's downfall. The trial of John Drewe and John Myatt exposes the full extent of their forgery scheme, revealing the elaborate network of deception they had created. Drewe's arrogance and manipulative tactics are ultimately his undoing, as his attempts to control the narrative backfire and lead to his conviction. The trial serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, deception, and the corruption of the art world.

Myatt's redemption. John Myatt, while complicit in the forgery scheme, is portrayed as a more sympathetic figure, driven by financial desperation and manipulated by Drewe. His cooperation with the police and his remorse for his actions lead to a lighter sentence. Myatt's story highlights the complexities of moral responsibility and the potential for redemption, even after engaging in criminal activity.

The quote serves as a final commentary on the state of the art world. It underscores the increasing emphasis on financial value, rather than artistic merit, and the potential for this to lead to corruption and deception. The quote also suggests that the art world itself is complicit in the forgery scheme, as its focus on price and investment creates an environment where forgeries can thrive.

Last updated: April 1, 2025