Authenticity
During their lives, famous impressionists like Vincent van Gogh, Manet, Monet and Cezanne, were ostracized and many times had to trade their artworks for some food or a night’s lodging. In this way many pieces have seemed to be lost forever. In the case of Van Gogh, perhaps even hundreds.
By 1960 Jelle de Boer accumulated nearly 400 works, 100 of which he attributed to Van Gogh. A close friend recommended that he open his gallery to the public. On June 11, 1966, he opened the doors to what he called the "Galerie d'Art" in Amsterdam. Visitors had to buy the catalogue, with illustrations of 57 exhibits.
From that exposition JD Fogarty, an American lawyer, bought four paintings which were proven to be authentic master pieces. “The Bacchanale” from Puvis de Chavannes, “Dans le Foret” from Monticelli, “L’Homme a Table” from Toulouse-Lautrec and finally the top piece, the “Infanta Margarita” from Manet. Mr. Fogarty has since spent 35 years to have these examined and authenticated as the priceless copy made by Edouard Manet. In December 2003, the international acknowledgement of the Infanta painting was again substantiated by an article in the Journal of the American Institute for Art Restoration and Preservation.
Read more about this topic: Jelle Taeke De Boer