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 book surveys the history and techniques of producing imitation and spurious artworks from antiquity to the early twentieth century, tracing how collecting practices and market demand fostered fakery. It examines the social roles of collectors, dealers, imitators, restorers, and middlemen, and considers ethical and legal distinctions between imitation and forgery. Practical chapters analyze methods used to fake sculpture, bronzes, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, textiles, and books, while discussions address the manufacture of a faked atmosphere and the identification of counterfeit objects. The narrative combines historical case studies with technical descriptions and guidance for recognizing and resisting forgeries.