Bankrupt Couple Desperately Need Painting To Be Authentic | Fake Or Fortune?

[@dcc2351]

They ended up selling it for $750 000 to the National Gallery Of Australia. Good on them!!!

[@butterbeanqueen8148]

Who didn’t think it was a self portrait? That’s the first thing that popped into my mind.

[@humblesparrow]

Yeah, me too!

[@georgedobler7490]

Yes, of course.

[@Marshabar1]

My first thought too.

[@supergran62]

Just came to say same.

[@merrynwatts]

Me too! And I disagree with the Tom Roberts expert with the blue glasses, I think his face is beautiful

[@ahteechia2687]

As an architect working on the Sunshine Coast I have followed Joe's career from a green grocer to being Mayor and then dropping out of public life. I so wanted for this to work out for you both, and I am so glad it did. All the best for what this painting can give back to you both after your sacrifice in public office to make the Sunshine Coast into what it is. WE on the Sunshine Coast had always said that we do not want to be another Gold Coast, and your legacy would be that we have kept the unique character of the Sunshine Coast as a place to live and also for some tourists to experience the easy going life of Queensland.

[@gabygaedecke2411]

Aside from the obvious financial implications, the *redemption* in this story is what moves us all. Taking a chance on a piece of art isn't just about money, it's about belief in the work, trust in one's instincts, and the need to fight for acceptance of the work's intrinsic value. Well done, all of you!

[@kgm2182]

*Mrs. Sheryl N. Kumarz is WANTED FOR FINANCIAL FRAUD!!!!*

[@ivorytower99]

And, they have added a self-portrait into Roberts' raisonn'e!

[@MaryObi-v5d]

I was so surprised that THEY were surprised that this was a self portrait. It seems so obvious. Did his great granddaughter really need to tell them?

[@boblove3930]

this show is stupid

[@JJ79_]

Yep, I tought that there is no other option than a self portrait. And I did not know the artist at all. That is just so obvious.

[@chrisdeoni1697]

The spirit of the magnificent TOM ROBERTS led them to his great great granddaughter who in 45 seconds knew it was authentic. Family always knows...PERSPECTIVE thank you for your magnificent channel, this episode really carries the torch of your greatness.

[@Airelda]

I thought this must be a self portrait from the instant they showed Tom Robert’s photograph. I wonder why it wasn’t spotted before the great-grandaughter pointed it out?

[@DonLee1980]

The story that his great grand daughter mentioned, and the sketches found in his sketch book, really compel to a true story. The amount of detail in the painting is immense, and the whole scene is emotionally captivating. It really would have been very difficult for it to not have been real, even if there was no documented evidence. The reason why this was never widely known about, was because it was something that the artist felt very personal and sad about. Very happy for the family who own this magnificent painting.

[@shafiyaseedat5177]

😢

[@Lucy-oz5if]

@@shafiyaseedat5177😊

[@mommyharris1111]

I was rooting for this family the entire time. I’m so happy they had this valuable painting to redeem the Husband. Great story!

[@pdruiz2005]

At 51:48. Dude, it's the work of an art student. Of course it's not gonna be perfect. Tom Roberts clearly got way better after 5 or so years of painting. But people have to start from somewhere. And some of the best artists when they were starting off in their younger years were painting "molded cottage cheese" faces before they got things right and hit their stride.

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

Yes, and this is why so many canvases were painted over. We can only imagine what works of art have been wiped from history by artists now thought to be geniuses such as Van Gogh.

[@texasred2702]

I thought it was pretty good. And why is disappointing that an artist does a self portrait? Lots of artists do them. The model is always available and works for free.

[@numbereightyseven]

Duh, it was a first impression, not a final verdict. Urgh.

[@mellie4174]

Exactly! It wasn't perfect but it has the mark of greatness on it! She's just nonsense!

[@ivorytower99]

She was a real rotter!

[@stevie-ray2020]

As an artist who excelled in Art History doing a Visual Arts degree at a Sydney university, I immediately recognised this as a self-portrait in which Roberts was clearly trying to capture the emotional angst from one or more of his personal experiences. Another factor in my opinion that it was a painting from his early career is the amount of effort that's gone into the work, something fakers really want to avoid (as seen in that fake that was shown)!

[@GoBlue79]

How thrilling! The results were read and I felt I could breath again! Watching this documentary I felt every ounce of their hardship and need for hope. Living in America we don't see this program - and I am SO thrilled I found it represented here. Thank you.

[@ilanarhian]

I don't know about this episode but the programme has been shown on PBS in the US.

[@RogueCylon]

Going through a similar out of work financial situation, this cut deep. The ending was glorious.

[@_HMCB_]

I stumbled across this channel a few days ago. I was immediately taken by the wonderfully expressive hosts, the quality production, and the human drama in each show’s journey. This particular show gave me chills and I shed a tear. I love British and Australian programming; it’s simply the best. Much love from the USA ❤

[@henna696]

The wife is a dream wife! Any man who marries a woman like this is blessed.

[@andrewweber2010]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@elaineculbert8594]

@henna du plessis: Yes, she was absolutely lovely, wasn’t she?

[@markraatsart5049]

I was utterly astonished to hear the Robert's specialist describe the painting of the figure as 'not being well painted with a face that looks like moulded cottage cheese'. Great reversal and impeccable research by Philip and Fiona all leading to an incredible result. Congratulations

[@Ali_D_Katt]

That really pissed me off too, rude. Tactless and I'm glad her smug molded cottage cheese face was wrong.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Blue-glasses lady was intolerable. “80% of men looked like this at the time” - for heaven’s sake.

[@JeremyC007]

I believe this painting sold to an Australian gallery for around $700,000

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

WOOHOO !!!

[@leslieplayfair9836]

Great news!

[@blutexas]

Good news then. Joe and Roseann can visit it from time to time.

[@trotterhorsewatsonjr.6668]

I was about to throw a shoe at my television if she said it was a fake based on the reasoning that critic, said about his face. For god sakes he was a young man. Just beginning. It was the composition of the hand that made me realize it was real. And grand daughter commenting on how big his hands were the left was for an early artist was bigger than the right and seem to be an over correction. Everything else fit. Thank god she made the right decision

[@janina8559]

Thank You I was so hoping it would fetch more than 200k so great news for them!

[@dorotapogubila4427]

I’ve been watching this program and I can say that Tom Roberts style is one of my favourite.

[@diegoartetv]

I cried so much with with this episode, one of my favorites.

[@zopizopi5054]

These documentaries are much more interesting and well made than most of nowadays series and movies !!!!! Thank you !!!!

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

Fiona is always compassionate and passionate. Her emotional reaction while reading the verdict got me as it was truly infectious and sincere and heartfelt 👼❤️🙏🏽🥂 PS… And Joe must have truly love that blue shirt 😊

[@MossyMozart]

@Jhunified With Love - Maybe Mr Joe looks at that as his "lucky" shirt - or he has a closet full of them. Looks good with his hair, too.

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

@@MossyMozart yup… I was thinking the same. That’s a good one. Some people can be loyal to a color that’s good on them. Thank u! 👼❤️🙏🏽🥂

[@sylvievicenza179]

Maybe after having lost everything, we have a smaller place and have no more space for a collection of shirt. I fell silly commenting about a shirt color when the family has lost so much.

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

@@sylvievicenza179 that’s actually funny but no harm intended. No worries, it’s actually a cool and interesting take on it. 🥂

[@numbereightyseven]

Nope. Fiona, don't interrupt a man and his wife in the pivotal few seconds of one of the most important things in their life together. It was so obvious that Joe's wife was - rightly - miffed at Fiona's interruption to hug him ... but Rosanna wore the insult gracefully. Thoughtless, shabby even.

[@crystalhealing847]

We all held our breath .....and then jumped with joy and relief. Well done team!!!!! 💖

[@jackiec859]

Normally I am not reduced to tearing up watching this program, but today ..yeah. I really wanted this for them.

[@crizzy8373]

WOW!! What a beautiful story!❤

[@FunkyKiwi7]

Thank You for sharing this beautiful story of the painter and the couple that acquired it.

[@gurucarcar]

Wonderful! He knows beauty when he saw it.

[@pdruiz2005]

At 23:07. Oooh, exciting! Finding that address at the back of the painting, and it being the exact same address Tom Roberts lived at in London during his second year in art school. Whoa. I'm taken in. Also, when I lived in London I tended to hang around Aldwych, not far from Haymarket and this address.

[@windycitykitty]

The peek into the sketchbook was so moving. This was a fantastic episode, thank you for the upload.

[@PerspectiveArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sttyn]

The most emotional episode so far. I am so glad to hear this result.

[@anitasmith7764]

I absolutely see the resemblance in Tom and the man in the painting, ESPECIALLY in the eyes. Amazing! I’m SO SO glad they received this answer! Priceless!

[@pdruiz2005]

At 30:43. This was quite an anxious lady. Wonderful portrayal of that thinly veiled anxiety from Tom Roberts. She looks like she's quivering, and clearly not comfortable sitting if her posture is so forced and oddly angled forward. She's wealthy and fashionable, sure. But she doesn't look like she's leading an altogether satisfied life.

[@kiwihame]

Personally I thought the painting is amazing, tells a profound story and quite moving. I love it. Regardless of the artist. If I had big money, I'd pay it. So very happy for them.

[@stephaniedescoteaux4759]

This is a big deal and you are responsible, bringing it forward for posterity and shedding light on the artist's life and that missing period.. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Who knew that art authentication could be as exciting as a who done it! It's better than a Sherlock, Poirot, because it's real .You are the Nancy Drew and Hardy boy of art.😀

[@ITSKKP]

I'm soooo much happy for them ❤❤❤. It's have lots of beautiful stories added to the history now.

[@DistinctiveThinking]

From 'Rejection' to 'Redemption ' ! Bravo!!!❤

[@michaelmottlau5941]

What a lovely and dramatic story on so many levels both historical and emotionel- I feel for the mans pain and the relief when the authenticity of the painting was revealed.

[@Lorraine--on3ij]

Thank you Fiona and Philip, for doing such a great job in helping this couple. God bless Joe, and his family.

[@patriciapickett836]

Re below; yes - self portrait was my first thought. Followed by, 'Show me a portrait or photo of his wife/partner' to try to ID the woman. No evidence that that lead was traced.

[@linmonash1244]

Wonderful story - and outcome. I'm no kind of expert - but I fell in love with this picture from the moment it came up on screen. It just 'speaks'. And I didn't care if it ended up being a fake - but how could it be, when it shouts so loudly that it's the work of a Master! Especially in the intricate attention to detail and the use of light, particularly how the faces glow.. But most of all; the emotion it both conveys and elicits. Great Art makes you feel. Just like a great piece of music; it draws you in, captures you...

[@trotterhorsewatsonjr.6668]

I love the series, it's like watching a detective series

[@lanakim2537]

Ahhh! this is wonderful.

[@casst346]

wonderful show all around.. very professional presentations and so educating and so nice that you both assist so many in their quests to "Authenticate"...thanks for sharing..

[@dustinoneil7874]

My Lord, I’m balling like a child as she reads the conclusion!!!😢😢😢😢

[@katharinatrub1338]

minute 40 and on, was moving me to tears. This is one more superb Fake or Fortune Story!

[@kilcar]

Not a dry eye here. They are lovely people and we are very happy for them Joe's great intuition and courage to make a leap of faith as he did is inspiring. God bless em'!

[@patriciafitch2432]

Do not agree with this "expert". "What a pity"...I thought the expression on the face of of the man in painting showed intense despair. Excellent painting.

[@rosalindchu7588]

Thrilling story but more than that, what an introduction to an amici g Australian impressionist, Tom Roberts. Thank you!

[@Natalia-hh8nl]

Amazing! Beautiful painting and happy ending .

[@flavio136]

Love this shows! Thanks from México City.

[@WendySamples-xq7sq]

He named that painting ( rejected). I think. He entered his work into a contest.

[@m.y.l.1313]

I'm so happy for them. This revealed got me a bit stressed follow by a sense of releive

[@pilsplease7561]

My grandmother was a artist who painted quite a bit when she was younger taught at a art school and has a college degree in art, and she showed her work in galleries and etc then stopped painting because she had to raise my mom and uncle and then me and my sister and she was written about as being one of the greater artists of the area. She actually taught another famous artist who was already famous at that time how to paint people as he was not very good at portraits or painting peoples faces.

[@susanpryor-RE]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story about your grandmother.

[@martincampbell7774]

Such an emotional and happy ending. I know they do not all turn out in this way...but in this instance I am particularly so glad it did! Many thanks, love your program!

[@annabellelee4535]

Wow, I got personally invested in this. I was so happy I was crying when Fiona read out the verdict.

[@tracysalari5741]

First thing I thought was self portrait!!! Omg , they didn't think of that right away??!!😳🤔🤯

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Must say, I didn’t. But it seems more than obvious if you think of the name of the painting. And it looks just like him!

[@mjgholfza]

Wonderful outcome!

[@deejhay5992]

😢 touching story! Wow!!! A roller-coaster ride of emotions.. intense, hearbreaking, sadness, love, rush feelings, fulfillment and victorious… WELL DONE PERSPECTIVE 🖼

[@60Airflyte]

I’m glad I didn’t read the comments first. Good or bad, I wanted to find out for myself at the end.

[@djeanthequeen8247]

Hope they are putting these records in a digital cache if they are allowing anyone to touch them barehanded.

[@LeahC208]

In tears. So so happy this one made it.

[@bessofhardwick9311]

Best episode I've seen yet. So happy for them.

[@gulfstream-tvstudios9546]

...after all this nightmares, i would rather go cleaning streets , than to sell this masterpiece ... i would never ever give it away ... never ever ....❤

[@christianlarsson1212]

So happy for them, you could really feel his pain after all that happend. His wife seem so genuine loving aswell , and she has Im sure told him a tousand times that all that happend is not on him. He however needed to feel that he did something right, and I think it will have an big impact on his life for the better.

[@terri3696]

Loving these shows ❤

[@WATCH-IT-BUSTER]

IMAGINE being the person Joe OUTBID for this painting and WATCHING this episode 😮😮😮😮😮

[@dummatube]

What a beautiful and sensitive painting. As someone who has worked supporting the art community as a traditional restorer and now a digital reproduction specialist it brings tears to my eyes - regardless of the legitimate provenance and final value. David Myers: DIGITAL MASTERS Australasia.

[@patriciamurashige6879]

I’m rooting for this couple!!!!!! Congratulations!!! It’s so an happy ending.. or should I. Say a new beginning!!!!!! So so happy… it was kind of gut trenching watching this video!!

[@KATIE-f3y]

Maybe the title of the work isn’t "Rejected", rather that it was rejected from an art show and not deemed worth showing to whatever exhibit he submitted it to? That may explain the no. 1 and address still on it? Perhaps he sent more than one piece and this one was rejected? To me, his sketches and the devastation in the picture speak to a grief that is deeper than just having his artwork "rejected", more like loss of a family member(mother).

[@peterlee6621]

That’s actually what I thought of. I think that it was rejected for the gallery exhibition and forced Roberts to create works that were submitted, and leaving this particular work in the dust. And since the majority of his works are pretty much in contrast with the theme and colors of this self-portrait, I think Roberts maybe perhaps, after being rejected from a gallery and knowing the theme of the work, didn’t want this work to be made into the public’s notice.

[@officialobyonyioha4472]

Just sobbing!

[@rachaelbstar]

39:00 what was the painting of the woman laying down? It's gorgeous. Did they ever attribute it to a different artist?

[@giovanni4070]

Valued at $650,000 Dollars. Good on you mate!

[@anilu3021]

This episode made me cry❤

[@philmorton4590]

I can't believe how long it took them to realise it was a self portrait. Wouldn't the title tell you that?

[@collidingforces9589]

So emotional. So glad for them!

[@dorotapogubila4427]

The lesson learned… experts not always right. Don’t give up after first opinion.

[@hectorpascal]

Instant expert judgments of recently found paintings are often very unreliable because, although technically correct, the subject depicted is unfamiliar to them. The expert needs to "live with" the painting for a short time, to be guided by the character of the artist that they have studied and know intimately.

[@GBoz94]

The painting is so sophisticated in every way, the fake ones were conceptually basic.

[@englishrose4388]

What a heartwarming ending.

[@ivorytower99]

While Fiona was getting verbal, family information from the Granddaughter - about how her grandfather's letter not reaching his dying Mother in time --while he was in art school in the U.K... Then in the next bit, they show Philip, perusing one of Robert's sketchbooks. And in the sketchbook is the draft-composition of THE PAINTING--where Roberts is being consoled by a young woman at his feet. ...But then look to the left of that very same page: it's a drawing of a clearly older woman, gazing lovingly at the other two subjects on the page. Clearly, this was a depiction of Roberts' Mother! As it is now 2 am U.K. time. I'll email this bit to Philip, which may have been overlooked.

[@evanescapades2513]

Watching this for the first time!!! You beautiful people were just 7 minutes away from me!!!! Please visit again!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bennyboy0421]

Absolutely love this painting!!!

[@NhoyskieIbanez]

@32:08 its the same artist who paints the paintings, you can see the pattern of the carpet rug how it bends almost semilar.

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Wonderful outcome...

[@lisaeaker9064]

I was crying my eyes out with complete joy because a man that you could see felt like a failure of a man as a husband and father has gotten it back

[@stellabastoneintoronto955]

Me too. Sweet Joe reflects what so many have experienced and are experiencing. If only everything could work out for all such people.

[@barbaralouisebenjamin5918]

A painting called, 'Rejected', becomes a family's salvation. There is something Messianic about this. 'The stone that the builder's rejected has become the cornerstone'. This is a quote referring to Jesus of Nazareth, who was rejected by the Priests and others, but will one day be recognized for who he is, the very foundation of the Living Temple of God.

[@sarahhudleston832]

One of the best episodes!

[@gregb6469]

A question I would ask (perhaps it was answered and I missed it) is when did Roberts become so famous that fakes began to be produced? If this painting was done before that time, then there is no way it could be a fake.

[@adzix87]

Their theory was that it could have been "repurposed" though. Meaning painting was from the period but by someone else and was later signed to be by Roberts to fake it.

[@marktaylor3802]

@@adzix87 True, though once it was found in the sketch pads there was no way it was repurposed and too old to be faked from his sketches. Unless the sketch pad is a fake too!

[@canadianperspective3731]

I was certain the lack of provenance would lead to the conclusion it was a forgery. I’m so happy to be wrong.

[@chipwalter4490]

I was too. Maybe the endorsement from the granddaughter, and also the Courtauld Institute’s opinion that it was painted in the 19th Century, swayed some opinions. .? If you decide to take it factually that this painting IS from the 19th Century then how could a forger have studied all the details about Roberts? (I think it’s very unlikely he was forged that long ago.) And these details- like his London address - and ability to review his sketch books, it would have been pretty hard to gather all these threads of research to create such a well imagined forgery until fairly recent times. Plus you have to imagine the Art Market always wants a new painting from a dead master. So with big wigs breezing in from London, I think they could all shrug their shoulders if in a few years you see it come out that this was a highly executed forgery. To me, Philip looked nervous at the end. ;)

[@amparofuentes6208]

I cried along with them.

[@benediktmorak4409]

great episode. long time i did not find one. and all over sudden one is on the thumbnails!!!!!

[@lancemillward2462]

Wow, what a rollercoaster

[@gostaknochenhauer3978]

I know very little about art, but I think that picture is beautiful and moving. However, the thing that made me believe that it is an original painting is the choice of motive. If a forger wanted to paint a "Tom Roberts", is that the subject that first comes to mind? I think not, he would most likely choose a motive similar to known real paintings, and I doubt he would find some similar such paintings.

[@Airelda]

Great point!

[@brendanleenders61]

watching this not knowing who the artist was, but upon seeing the work being hung around, now understands the importance of such a piece. I started to get a little worried upon seeing the fake with the name on the back, but to me to have the actual address was the start of my belief. Who would have known the address of a young man living in London for 3 years.

[@sacrebleu1371]

I don't fit the painting in piece as rejected when I hear the story of his mother. I see pain in him that he finally had something to share and connect with her and she was gone. I think this painting represents the pain of learning of his mother's death.

[@flightsimulatoradventures]

As it is concluded as a self portrait by his ancestors, the price of the painting would skyrocket…

[@daiseedawson5798]

Ancestors? You mean descendants.

[@Satu-zs7gm]

not to mention the meaning of the painting and the incredible publicized story now part of the history of the painting!! i really hope someone would over pay for this

[@susanrobertson984]

I assumed the show would have been pulled to save the poor family from further distress had the outcome been bad. Happy to be proven right.

[@tschannelrph]

Its a very heartwarming story and I could feel the emotion of the owner gentleman. I myself have series of artworks that is very unsure if it has provenance and Tears too run into my own eyes.

[@tohmsono5081]

painting of a rejected painting has been rejected, but is now accepted

[@stephanievella9366]

Moving painting, moving result 🙏

[@donofon1014]

Short cut. Investigate the credentials of the "art expert" who said it wasn't a Roberts. Did he offer to buy it for chump change? Was he a fake art critic?

[@ainaschultz2701]

This is the most exhausting episode i have seen. I really felt sorry for the owners and wanted them to get their money back, but i also hated the motive and felt it looked self pittying and imature. Aaaugh!

[@michellechambers7615]

There is not much worse than losing everything you own, especially your business and your home. I think most people would be self pitying in this situation.

[@ainaschultz2701]

Ooops, i didnt realize my comment could have two different meanings... english is my second language. i was talking about the motive on the painting. I loved the other pictures they showed from the same painter, but his self portrait here was so self pittying. the woman was just a prop to show how sorry he felt for him self, he looks like a grumpy teenager. The owners gambled a lot to restore a lost part of history, and im glad they got their reward!