Born Wolfgang Fischer, the German born Beltracchi is an academically trained artist who famously forged paintings in imitation of Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin and more. For nearly forty years, he made millions selling his forgeries. Instead of copying existing artworks, Beltracchi created original works in the style of famous artists. He then brought his creations to the art market where he sold them as lost or undiscovered works. With assistance from his wife, Beltracchi gave his forgeries false provenances. His work fooled experts and his forgeries made their way into prominent public and private collections. Once his scheme was discovered in 2010, he was sentenced to six years in a German prison, of which he served only four. Beltracchi now creates and sells his art under his real name. For more information, watch the documentary Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery.
By Elliot Penn
Sources:
Pierce, Brienne. “Wolfgang Beltracchi The World’s Most Famous Art Forger.” The Culture Trip. 28 December 2016. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/wolfgang-beltracchi-the-worlds- most-famous-art-forger/
Neuendorf, Henri. “Notorious Forger Wolfgang Beltracchi Is Making Millions since Going Legit.” Artnet. May 12 2015. https://news.artnet.com/market/forger- wolfgang-beltracchi-exhibition-29655