Forgery isn’t limited to conniving criminals and vengeful failed artists. Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Renaissance master responsible for some of the greatest and most well-known artworks ever created, including the Sistine Chapel frescoes and David, is also believed to have dabbled in forgery early on in his prolific career. According to biographical accounts, in 1496 Michelangelo created a (now lost) sculpture entitled Sleeping Eros. The work, which was inspired by a Roman original of the same name and artificially aged, was sold as an antique to an unsuspecting cardinal. By the time the forgery was discovered, Michelangelo had gone on to become one of the most sought-after artists of his time, and his ability to so convincingly forge an ancient masterpiece in fact bolstered his growing reputation. While Michelangelo’s motivations may have been less vengeful than many other forgers, the fact that he engaged in the unseemingly practice demonstrates just how prevalent art forgery has been throughout history, and how at times the practice can benefit the forger in question.
By Whitney White
Sources:
Norton, Paul. “Lost Sleeping Cupid of Michelangelo.” Art Bulletin 39.4 (1957): 251–57.
Zapata, Mariana. “How a Forged Sculpture Boosted Michelangelo’s Early Career.” Atlas Obscura, 1 November 2016. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-a-forged-sculpture-boosted-michelangelos-early-career. [accessed 18 March 2021]