Portrait of a Man (The Auctioneer).

In Veridian Sterling Fakes It, I included many “real life” art controversies and crimes. One of the controversies that I included revolves around a Rembrandt currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, entitled “Portrait of a Man (The Auctioneer”). Why this painting? Because in 1982, its authenticity came into question.

The painting, done between 1658-1662, has the definitive look of a Rembrandt but after scholars studied it closer, they noticed inconsistencies. It was decided that instead of an authentic Rembrandt, the painting is an excellent copy, painted at the hands of a highly trained artist. Perhaps too highly trained. Thus, the painting is now attributed to a “Follower of Rembrandt (Dutch, third quarter 17th century)” instead of Rembrandt.

So … is it a fake? 

Well, it’s complicated. If the work was painted by one of Rembrandt’s students, perhaps even while Rembrandt himself was tutoring that student, should it be considered a fake? According to The Rembrandt Research Project, Rembrandt worked in a large studio and instructed many would-be artists. It seems likely that his students would therefore create paintings in his style. 

But what if Rembrandt actually painted part of the painting? Let’s say the student was having trouble painting the hands or neck of a particular subject and Rembrandt took the brush from him (always a him in the 1600’s as women and girls were forbidden from art studios) and demonstrated the technique himself, on the canvas. Rembrandt’s hand did paint a portion of the portrait but the student completed the entire painting. 

Is there such thing as a partly fake, fake?

Art historians are often faced with this conundrum because many of the great masters taught from their studios. Programs like The Rembrandt Research Project are dedicated to investigating these issues. Fascinating work, if you ask me.

I included Rembrandt’s “Portrait of a Man” (The Auctioneer”) in Veridian Sterling Fakes It to highlight the nuance of art crime. Also, I needed a public space for Tate to meet Veri, and then stand her up. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Or is he perhaps just a nuanced guy?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Photo Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art