"Art galleries around the world shudder at the mention of Elmyr de Hory, a roguish old mountebank who managed to turn a major artistic talent into a lucrative larceny. Even before his death in 1976 ...he was known as a master forger of such contemporary artist as Modigliani, Matisse, and Picasso. So skilled were his forgeries that in later life, they took on a value all their own; it became chic to own a 'de Hory' no matter who had been replicated...... as enjoyable and fulfilling as working through a good Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Three Stars ." - Video Librarian
"This investigative documentary follows the trail of Elmry do Hory, master art forger. Before his death in 1976, Hory produced nearly 1000 drawings and paintings that were passed off as works by Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, and others to collectors, galleries, and museums in Europe, America, and Asia. ...the production values and the investigative technique of this Norwegian production are well done..." - Library Journal
"This fascinating documentary travels to New York, Boston, Stockholm, Oslo, Paris and other locales to follow the trail of the duplicitous Hungarian artist whose painting style mimicked such masters as Matisse, Picasso and Modigliani... well-produced, including lovely background music and nicely placed close-ups, this is an intriguing profile of a legendary forger." - Booklist
Masterpiece Or Forgery?
THE STORY OF ELMYR DE HORY
Elmyr de Hory was called "The Myth of our Century" when he was revealed as a master forger in 1968. Born in 1905, he made an estimated 1000 fake paintings, primarily in the style of the post-impressionists before he died - or disappeared - in 1976. In addition to faking paintings, Elmyr de Hory often faked his own identity, and traveled easily throughout Europe's high society. Even his death was the subject of much speculation. His paintings were sold throughout North America, Europe, and Japan, and their total market value is estimated to be over one-hundred million dollars. Many fine and respected galleries and museums are in possession of what they believe to be a valuable "Matisse" or "Modigliani," but which is in fact a "de Hory."
This fascinating one-hour documentary, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Knut Jorfald, was shot on location in Europe and America, and includes interviews with such friends of Elmyr's as author Clifford Irving, actress Ursula Andress, notorious smuggler Anthony Hugo, as well as William Robinson, curator of the Fogg Museum of Art in Boston, and David Breuer of Sotheby's Auction House in London.
