Counterfeit Artworks: A Growing Threat to Cultural Heritage and the Art Market.
Press Release
Achilleas Tsantilis, President of the Hellenic Association of Art Experts
Counterfeit Artworks: A Growing Threat to
Cultural Heritage and the Art Market
Counterfeit artworks have become a widespread issue,
severely impacting both the art market and cultural heritage in Greece, Cyprus,
and internationally. Increasingly, forgeries are infiltrating galleries,
auctions, and private collections, creating significant risks for buyers and
collectors.
Methods Used by
Forgers
Counterfeiters employ a variety of sophisticated techniques
to deceive buyers:
- Aging materials: Using old
canvases, cardboard, or artificially aging paints through chemical methods
to mimic age.
- Forged signatures: Imitating the
signatures of famous artists and even adding fictitious provenance
details.
- Fake stamps and
certificates: Reproducing
seals of defunct galleries, institutions, or curators who are no longer
alive.
- Provenance falsification: Attaching false
documentation to suggest authenticity.
Such methods have enabled forgeries of works by prominent
artists such as Fassianos, Gyzis, Volanakis, Mytaras, Papaloukas, Maleas, and
Spyros Vassiliou to enter both Greek and international markets.
Significant
Incidents
- In Greece, counterfeit artworks
have been discovered in major galleries and auctions. A case in Thessalonikirevealed
numerous fake artworks, including forged stamps of renowned institutions.
- In Cyprus, authorities have
uncovered networks selling counterfeit Greek artworks to collectors
abroad.
- Internationally, works falsely attributed to Greek
artists have surfaced in auctions in London, New York, and
Paris, sold at high prices due to lack of expertise in Greek art
authentication.
Auction House
Responsibility
One of the main challenges lies with auction houses, which
disclaim responsibility for authenticity in their terms of participation. This
shifts the burden of verification onto buyers. These houses often exhibit
artworks for only 10 days before auctions, providing limited time for proper
authentication. In many cases, the certificates and stamps on these artworks
are also forged.
Judicial
Challenges and Prevention
Legal action for defrauded buyers is often lengthy,
complex, and expensive. Prevention is key:
- Avoid purchasing artworks directly from individuals
without professional expertise.
- Always involve certified art experts to verify
authenticity before making a purchase.
- Exercise extra caution with auctions, especially those
abroad, where oversight of Greek art is limited.
Protecting the
Art Market
The international art market must prioritize expertise and
due diligence when handling Greek artworks. Auction houses, galleries, and
collectors must consult Greek art experts to ensure authenticity and preserve
cultural heritage. Failure to address this growing issue threatens not only the
art market but also the legacy of Greece's artistic tradition.
Achilleas Tsantilis
Art Expert, Greek Court of Justice
President, Hellenic Association of Art Expertshttps://haaa.gr/en_index.php
