Very rare signed David Stein artist proof of his own work "In the style of Giacometti".
This painting is David's interpretation of Alberto Giacometti's works, taking inspiration from "Portrait of the Artist's Mother"
Size: Image: 48cm x 61cm
Frame: 64cm x 77cm
Condition: Image: Good but has spots of what looks like thin white paint. Honestly because I have never seen another copy I am not sure if they are part of the original image! - See photos. Frame: In poor condition but still in one piece. See photos
About the artist:
David Stein (born Henri Haddad, 1935 – 1999) was a notorious art forger and dealer whose career challenged the very definition of authenticity in the art world. Initially having a history with theft, Stein pivoted to art forgery, becoming adept at mimicking the styles of modern masters such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Jean Cocteau, and Georges Rouault.
His downfall came in 1967 when Marc Chagall himself identified forgeries of his work in a New York gallery, leading to Stein's arrest and conviction for art forgery and grand larceny. Despite his criminal activities, Stein's charismatic personality and skill earned him a peculiar reputation. Even the judge who sentenced him, Joseph Stone, became a friend and allowed Stein to paint in his office during his incarceration.
After serving his prison terms in the United States and later in France, Stein continued to produce art, albeit under his own name or by explicitly titling pieces "In the Manner of..." to avoid further legal trouble. He even appeared in the film "The Moderns" as an art critic and provided all the art for the movie.
David Stein's legacy is a complex one. While his actions were illegal and undermined the trust in the art market, his ability to convincingly replicate the nuances of renowned artists highlighted the vulnerabilities in art authentication and sparked discussions about what truly defines an "original" artwork. His life and work serve as a fascinating case study in the history of art and deception.
This very rare medium-sized David Stein signed print, "In the style of Giacometti", is a unique artist proof featuring art inspired by famous painter Alberto Giacometti. The framed print, measuring 61cm in height and 48cm in width, showcases a limited edition take on Giacometti's iconic style. With its theme of famous paintings and painters, this piece is a must-have for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
