The Gentle Art of Faking A history of the methods of producing imitations & spurious works of art from the earliest times up to the present day

"The Gentle Art of Faking" by Riccardo Nobili is a journey into the world of art forgery and imitation, starting from ancient times to the early 20th century. The book examines the methods used to create fake artworks and the reasons behind their creation. It looks at how the art market, collectors, dealers, and forgers interact, all while considering the moral questions that arise from these deceptions. Explaining why people are drawn to collecting art, the narrative looks at the connections between collectors, dealers, and forgers, specifically why some choose to create forgeries instead of original pieces. The book traces the history of art collecting back to ancient Greece and Rome, paving the way to understand how imitation and art deception have evolved over time and become a part of the art world, influenced by trends and ethical dilemmas.