Van Meegeren: The Forger Who Fooled the Nazis
Andrew Graham-Dixon investigates the story of the 20th century's greatest art forger, Han van Meegeren, who made millions during World War II selling fake Vermeers in Nazi-occupied Holland.
Andrew Graham-Dixon investigates the story of the 20th century’s greatest art forger, Dutch artist Han van Meegeren, who made millions during World War II selling fake Vermeers in Nazi-occupied Holland.
Following a trail of evidence across Europe, Graham-Dixon pieces together how van Meegeren fooled the art establishment - and even swindled Hermann Göring, selling him what was then one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Looking at this tale of intrigue and double-dealing against the backdrop of Europe’s darkest hour, Graham-Dixon tries to uncover the motives of the master forger. Was he a Dutch folk hero, outwitting the Nazi occupiers? A cynical opportunist? Or even ruthless collaborator?
As Andrew Graham-Dixon discovers, this is a tale about much more than simply art forgery: a twisted, timely morality tale about the blurred lines between truth and fiction that poses uncomfortable questions about deception - and collusion. About what happens when we want to believe something a little too much, even when the evidence of fakery is before our eyes.
Last on
Clips
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The Rijksmuseum rip off
Duration: 01:59
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The moment of truth
Duration: 01:44
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How to fake an old master
Duration: 02:16
Music Played
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Joep Beving
Sleeping Lotus
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Andrew Graham-Dixon |
Producer | Colin Murray |
Director | Colin Murray |
Executive Producer | Richard Bright |
Broadcasts
- Wed 9 Oct 2019 21:00
- Thu 10 Oct 2019 02:30
- Wed 1 Apr 2020 22:30
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