FAKE OR FORTUNE SE06E02 TOM ROBERTS

When Australian couple Joe and Rosanna Natoli came across a painting bearing the signature Tom Roberts on the website of an English auction site, they couldn't quite believe it. Roberts is considered one of Australia's most important artists - a pioneer of Australian Impressionism whose works hangs in major galleries. Even minor pictures sell for hundreds of thousands of pounds and the painting, a dramatic image of an anguished artist titled Rejected, had all the hallmarks of a lost early work. After a fierce bidding war, Joe bought the painting, shipped it back to Brisbane and presented it to a leading expert on the artist's work - only to be told that it was not genuine.
This was just the beginning of Joe and Rosanna's troubles. Three years after they bought the painting, Joe's business went bankrupt and the family lost their home. Joe still firmly believes that his original hunch was right, and he has asked Fake or Fortune for help. As an early work by Tom Roberts, the picture could be worth over £200,000. If the team can prove that Joe was right all along, it might give the family a chance to secure a home of their own.
The team believes some of the answers to the mystery lie in Tom Roberts's time in England, where he trained at the Royal Academy in the 1880s. The quest for further proof takes them to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, where they encounter several alarming fakes. Can the team find enough evidence to earn the painting a second hearing?

[@giuseppenero110]

They were lucky it wasn't a French authority deciding on their fate

[@LanceoftheNoe]

Was going to write the very same thing

[@laziggy]

Omg. Right. The fucking French laws. I hope they stop sending items there. Otherwise they need to be responsible

[@barryeva9186]

Or like that poor woman where people came out the woodwork telling that the painting was theirs and lieing every step of the way.

[@augustoserranegra2725]

Great !!! 🙌🙌🙌🤩🙌🙌🙌

[@evelynedavid9564]

@@barryeva9186 hello from 🇨🇦, can you tell me which episode what’s that ? Thanks 🙏

[@jasperjavellana4454]

The wife was very supportive of her husband, because he was a good man. So happy for the both of them. c”,)

[@drewknight7126]

I'm 17 and hear wedding vows between couples. "For Better or Worse" and the support between this couple for each other who have also the strength of family. Isn't this what it's all about?!

[@kyleanuar9090]

That's a rarity in this age, you forget to take the trash out and everyone on Reddit yelling at you to divorce.

[@loganjohnson3589]

I have watched many many of these stories over time But this was the first time i cried tears running down my face .it was a vindication of a man who was broken thru no fault of his own and his one chance at being able to look into a mirror and tell himself I did not fail myself or my family .and know in his heart that it is true .did you notice how tightly his wife was holding his hand as i did .this news was like a rebirth I pray they are doing well today.

[@melissam7067]

from what i've read Joe, the husband, had an upscale grocery business. it was failing and the couple sold their house and ploughed thru their savings to keep it afloat. it failed anyway. He, or they together, likely made some horrifically bad business decisions. So let's not say he was not at fault. I'm glad the painting was indeed a Tom Roberts and hoped the sale of it helped them regain some semblance of their former life.

[@laziggy]

Joe could be the person in the painting. We know it's Roberts But emotionally it is Joe. Meant to be

[@kingmilanovic6733]

The wife was keeping it together for her husband...you can see that......she’s on tv...so try’s to put a smile on for the world.

[@MrRanhagen]

She deserves a crown. Depression is a horrifying illness, not just for the subject but for everyone around. A friend of mine was severely depressed. I didn't recognize him at all. It took years of overwhelming support from friends and family to get him back to the strong, funny and present character he once was. Imagine this guy was a leader back in the days. Wishing the family all the best, hope they got a lot of cash from the sale.

[@aprilblenk]

Maybe I'm just weirdly emotional today but I didn't expect the final verdict to move me so much. I genuinely teared up a little. I can't believe how happy I am for a couple I've never met but I'm so glad it all worked out for them. This might be one of my favourite episodes yet

[@Crroow]

It felt a little forced this time over. The verdict took a turn of unbelievable fortune, very quick.

[@raeafoley6131]

I'm sorry now! But I'd rather go with the great granddaughter who also has studied Roberts work, than some "expert"! And self indulgent!? Surely the word she's looking for is vulnerable! I'm SO glad it got acknowledged! And so happy for them!

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Thankyou! Yes, absolutely! I don't know much about art, but I know Lisa Roberts. She is an accomplished and extraordinary artist in her own right, with a long and highly successful career in various forms of mediums, continuing to this day. The presenters are obviously unaware of this. Lisa initially trained as a dancer, and is acutely aware of physical form and expression. She would not mis-identify a self-portrait of her great-grandfather. Her stillness on viewing the painting is telling in itself. Tom Roberts died before she was born, and that gave her more determination to find him in every way possible. It is sad that we can't see her eyes due to the angle of filming, but I am reassured knowing that she would have given such warmth and comfort to Joe in her interactions with him, particularly knowing of his vulnerability. There is no-one living that could possibly be more qualified to identify a Tom Roberts painting.

[@craigbarron3706]

Especially the fact that the great granddaughter was the one who recognised her ancestor in the picture, proof perfect for me!!

[@Colin56ish]

Australians love Roberts paintings above almost any other artist. His iconic portrayals of outback scenery surrounding his subjects. This one had me on the edge of my seat, because I was not aware of his studio settings. I am now! Love what the show brings to art appreciation itself.

[@nicklizardo313]

Thank you for this tremendous episode. You could feel the tension as Fiona was reading the letter, was so happy for the results. This is one of my favorite shows. Miss Bendor.

[@MrRanhagen]

The wife deserves a crown. Depression is a horrifying illness, not just for the subject but for everyone around. A friend of mine was severely depressed. I didn't recognize him at all. It took years of overwhelming support from friends and family to get him back to the strong, funny and present character he once was. Imagine that his guy was a Mayor back in the days. Wishing the family all the best, hope they got a shit ton of money for the painting.

[@udalimb384]

The Google says $700,000.

[@robyncooperramsey8323]

@@udalimb384 Woohoo!!

[@saveriosalemme5366]

His wife was the real treasure.

[@allanmerovitz871]

What you two did for Joe and Roseanne was monumental. And for the art history within the Australian community. Bravo! Allan Merovitz ( Canadian performance artist)

[@deborahdufel1664]

This is one of the best Fake or Fortune. This man obviously knows Australian art and should look at hunting for others.

[@pepperco100]

My wife and I visit the local college art gallery each year during the senior students' exhibition. Over the years we've acquired quite a few lovely paintings at very reasonable prices. It's a pleasure to speak with these gifted hard-working young people. They seem thrilled that their talent is appreciated. Best of all, we don't rely upon any snobbish barrow boy types to tell us what is good art.

[@ImpartiallySpeaking]

The original owners who refused to help the investigation are the biggest losers having sold a $1 Million painting for £7000. Ouch!

[@andrewtremblay262]

Of all of the ones I have watched this is the one that pulls the heart strings

[@adanpesito669]

Heartwarming and tear jerking indeed!

[@gloriapinskerportraits4801]

I think this was one of the most moving episodes in this series. I was really rooting for that couple! So glad it worked out with him.

[@saveriosalemme5366]

I almost had a stroke waiting for the decision.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

This is the episode where my heart was pumping for a positive outcome.

[@malcolmnorton2217]

For my money these fascinating episodes comprise a series of artistic masterpieces in themselves.

[@OlavSurlandHansen]

Not bad for a "self-indulgent" self-portrait, with a texture of the face resembling COTTAGE CHEESE!!!

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

His wife is a saint 👼❤️👼

[@ivorytower99]

Here is a follow-up video, putting the piece up for auction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4S7hayDhKyNm6M

[@dollimelaine]

I wonder how much it sold for?

[@1mmickk]

To me is was clearly Tom Roberts from the first glance. It was also clear that it was a self portrait. So much for experts.

[@christinedlgRGV]

I felt exactly the same!

[@megsybond]

My grandparents had a print of "Bailed up" above their fireplace for years and I loved that picture. I also knew at first glance that 'Rejected' was a Tom Roberts painting. Never doubted it. Good luck to them for the terrific find.

[@KAIOabstrct]

You conclude that from a 360p pixelated video on youtube? So much for your credibility then.

[@1mmickk]

@@KAIOabstrct When you have seen as much of his work as I have, it cant be mistaken.

[@KAIOabstrct]

@@1mmickk you should leave your number behind so they can use you every episode.

[@ivanolsen7966]

bought by National Gallery of Australia .. for $ 700,000 ... if I read that right

[@Songbirdstress]

Definitely right that it belong to the people of Australia.

[@DSBac]

When I first saw “Rejected” on the back, I thought it was something that had happened to the painting itself, not that it was the title of it. But given its history, I guess it’s both. Lol

[@conor0044]

Brilliant that some consolation came to that family, been through hell. I was questionable about how he kept insisting it was all his fault, seemed a bit attention seeking. Until I saw, in his face, that he's saying it because he just fervently believes it. Poor man, hope things are better for them now.

[@TheEliseRodgers]

I think, perhaps, this happens more often than we realize- we are tempted to write someone off as “attention seeking” or possessing of a similar “unattractive personal quality”. Then, if we were to look deeper, we might recognize them as just another human -who is struggling, feeling deep pain. So, perhaps, in our general lives, we’ll consider giving more people ‘the benefit of the doubt’? Because how many others might be “wearing a mask woven of pain” ?- their external expression simply a creation of some hell that they are experiencing or are carrying around inside…

[@tothelighthouse9843]

Very surprised at the outcome, because the expert initially seemed underwhelmed by the painting and would have had to be very certain (to contradict the previous expert). Very happy for the couple

[@katharper655]

My opinions of Fiona and Philip have ALWAYS been that they are the "Fighters For Good. Amazingly so, here.. in a World which often shows the WORST that the Human Animal is capable of: to take Humanity's most incandescent contributions to Progess and Beauty and. bastardize them; Fiona and Philip, with their dedication and compassion, represent the Keepers Of The Flame... THEY ARE THE QUINTESSENTIAL "GOOD GUYS" And the rapport they shared with these poor people shows their amazing compassion, as well. "GOOD ONYA, FIONA AN' PHILIP!"

[@bethbartlett5692]

*Ya know, the British have really hit 2 Grand Slams with TV Shows, that are Academic, "Time Team" and "Fake or Fortune".* "I applaud the Show's Creators, Producers, Entire Staff, and the British People", for having the Higher Mind and Taste to makes these 2 Shows extremely successful! I can only hope their US Counterparts realize the Value. *"an Irish American"* 🇮🇪 🇺🇸 Kerry Lineage

[@Roseblight1]

6:30 "A teenager who survived another croc attack hasn't impressed the girl he was showing off to. She says the incident was traumatic."

[@eveningstar1]

australia ....

[@red.aries1444]

Was ist really good luck that the National Gallery just had an exhibition about Australian impressionists at the same time they started the research? Or was it more the other way around: The editoral office of Fake and Fortune noticed, there would be this exhibition and by coincidence there was the request from the Australian couple about the painter Tom Roberts. So this made a perfect match for starting another research. Anyway it was good luck for the couple. :-)

[@theresabraddock9310]

not a coincidence. smells like a set up. tearless cheeks. bad acting or sociopathic

[@SAGHAJAR]

I am glad that it all went well for the Australian couple,

[@kathryn1050]

Such a fantastic outcome ~ well done all!!

[@pdruiz2005]

At 56:54. Well, let's not get carried away. The history of art in Australia is one of the longest in the world--aboriginal rock paintings go back 17,500 years or so. Frankly, I'd prefer those works of art than the derivative European stuff painted in the past 150 years in Australia. Aboriginal art is WAAAAAY more unique while representing the heart and soul of the real Australia. I hope those very ancient works of vibrant, abstract art are worth more than paintings by Tom Roberts, et al.

[@and__lam1152]

"It's time to put those emotions in box and put them away" ..... that's not going to work my friend, suppression of emotion is another word for pressing them down or depression. I wish you all the best old mate but emotions need to be faced, work through and let go of to set yourself free..... so that your past doesn't define your future. Hopefully they got 900 dollaridoos for that slice of Australiana. I wish I had 2 sets of hands so I could give this 4 thumbs up.

[@eveningstar1]

my favourite episode!!

[@drewknight7126]

PS. I loathe arrogant so called art experts like this woman who had she not had all the research done by Fiona and Phillip makes me wonder what she would have concluded.

[@jeanhawken4482]

This show and the wonderful presenters provide a valuable information and research for all.

[@ValerieVfc]

Well that had me tear up as well.

[@jhunifiedwithlove9750]

Ms Fiona is an Angel... she had me crying at the end... heartfelt

[@pdruiz2005]

At 51:29. 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 "cottage cheese" faces before they got things right and hit their stride.

[@thesuperspoiled301]

I thought it was interesting that the top critic saying that the statute is featured so prominently displayed in the painting. But it dominated his life at art school as well.

[@skiker4560]

What a lovely couple. God bless them.

[@bruh_hahaha]

the owners are a really sweet couple. The wife is a gem. Anyone knows if the painting sold?

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

France called and said they vehemently disagree with this determination.

[@Celtopia]

Beautiful painting, beautiful story, beautiful people !

[@carrier2659]

We going to mention how the colors of those two paintings are the exact same colors?

[@carolweideman1905]

Even confirming that the painting was an original, Mary Eagle sound like a real snob.

[@taylorj6177]

Spoiler much? Thanks a lot, snob!

[@bobson_dugnutt2863]

@@taylorj6177 Why...why would you even think to look at the comments before finishing watching it.

[@taylorj6177]

@@bobson_dugnutt2863 ?? Ummm... Because I'm a Human, aaand... that's what they're there for?? Why... Why would you even think to say something without thinking first?

[@and__lam1152]

@@bobson_dugnutt2863 🎣

[@Norfolk250]

47:00 -- isn't wearing gloves to keep the oils from your hands from staining the paper? Then, pray tell, everso please, WHY IS HE TOUCHING HIS FACE?!? Twice!!

[@subversivegallery]

As badly as the money was needed, I wish they could've kept the painting, it is THEM.

[@Songbirdstress]

On the other hand it belongs in a national museum, so they might as well have the money.

[@freddell7358]

So Roberts painted faces that look like cottage cheese, so be it , lol

[@taylorj6177]

These art dealers can really spin some Bullshit lmao. Love it.

[@christianfrommuslim]

The documentation was certainly weak for this painting. But doesn't it seem that if someone were to fake or repurpose a Tom Roberts, they would use a later, more characteristic style and theme - not the Victorian realism of his earlier work?

[@lupodisol]

A breathtaking presentation.

[@SimonWrigley]

Love love love this, Joe and Rosanna thanks for saving this Tom Roberts! You are National heroes. Hope it is going so well for you and family. Tom Robert's story is made so much richer because of this beautiful painting. His long straight legs for example, look exactly consistent with most of his other paintings of men, and absolutely consistent with Tom's tall stature, and focus on his tall neck as well, such a caring wife, my goodness no wonder he has been a leader of Australian painting. I was looking for maybe RM Williams boots at one stage, which are unique, but yes, tattered lace ups as far as I can see, Would be lovely to hear from the great grand daughter if he played the violin, I'm guessing it is not a prop. He is a master of weight, his figures do not float, this is a truly, as simple as it sounds, a sign of an accomplished careful artist. Hope you are able to sell this work to the National Gallery as it is a National treasure and priceless in so many ways (+ I hope to see it:). A gift to you and Australia. Fiona and Phillip, thanks from this Aussie, your efforts, knowledge and intuition have brought forward an important piece of our National heritage. (p-s- it seems 10 James street is 18 mins- walking, from the RA)

[@canaandaddario1992]

The one thing that every art dealer and auction house never want to hear a wealthy client say : This painting is a counterfeit, I've been taken for a fool! FAKE OR FORTUNE

[@gillianwhitfield9746]

I'm glad the experts weren't too proud to reverse their original opinion...

[@robertjoleary]

I'm just adding a comment to move the one below down from the top.. I unfortunately spotted it before getting to the end of the episode

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

The TV anchor lady is so fake! Reminds me of kelly Ripa

[@algini12]

Yes, they are actors, one and all. That includes Fiona as well, being an anchor lady.

[@zagrizena]

Just had the same thought. It's a shame, because I innately distrusted her because of that, although she may have completely good intentions. Not that it matters for them in any way and thank God that they may have had a new start after the programme.

[@robertn800]

Oh Poohy….🤨

[@dadodydo]

Oh, weow!

[@pdruiz2005]

At 31:50. 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.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Oh, I cried ... Good People deserve Good Things, they just have to know the "Universal Law of Attraction" is Absolute! They did it! They attracted their dream! 🎯❤️

[@pdruiz2005]

At 1:04. Whoa. That is one studly, good-looking artist. Tom Roberts was clearly no "misshapen red-headed troll," as someone so memorably described poor Vincent Van Gogh. LOL.

[@pdruiz2005]

At 23:22. 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.

[@arielsaeth]

did anyone notice the man @ 29.17 crossing the buisy road with a lawnmower or a vacuum cleaner, strange???

[@PaulNurse1]

I just knew I would cry at this one

[@faafafineartist]

I wonder if this painting was called, "Rejected", which he might've felt rejected when his mother remarried, and died...then he rejected this painting as part of the art pracctice and symbolism of the title?.

[@bearlythere2388]

The subject, mood, etc feels like the struggle of an artist. The Venus de Milo added as a *guess her parts* as a student project is equally as brilliant as it is a mountain to climb.

[@bearlythere2388]

The lady holding the man is almost like she’s trying to relate and support

[@bearlythere2388]

He’s absolutely absorbed in solving “the problem” to tre point she’s there trying to tell him something

[@charleswood2182]

Oh my god oh my god oh my god!!!! I love this outcome! YES I"M SO RELIEVED!

[@merseybeat1963]

38:00..fake..they are so sure.. it is a beautiful painting. When just a name makes it's value high instead of it's merits there is a little too much bull in it.

[@scottmclennan6114]

Now Joe can buy a new shirt!!

[@sentimentalbloke185]

Or a bra & negligee.

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

Whatever happened do not separate your family during peace/rich and during war/poor

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

wo so glad that ended well ,what a beautiful picture tho great

[@zappababe8577]

I'd love to see a Fake or Fortune about the Turin Shroud

[@kimsatterfield944]

Bravo ❤

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Don't put all ur eggs in one basket!😁😁😁😁🏀🏀🎈🎈🎈🎈🎠🎠🎠🎠🎠🎠🎥🎥🎥🐒🎱🎱🎱🎱🎲

[@lynneward2471]

A good one but I missed bendor. Didn't like fiona's new hair colour. I felt sorry for the couple I'm glad for them that it's genuine.

[@sentimentalbloke185]

Joe looks like Sam Eagle from the Muppets.

[@gkess7106]

11:35. The embodiment of “snooty”.

[@Earth098]

Many thanks for uploading!!

[@theeye-ns1ch]

this is britain not uk. uk is a corporation not a land.

[@merseybeat1963]

What did it sell for in the end ?

[@lindaheath784]

Wish there were new programs

[@greeneaglz2573]

What is being pushed by the man at 29:16 I wonder....

[@freddell7358]

Good question, some kind of street sweeping?

[@petenrita]

what did it sell for?

[@Dawghome]

What defines him as an impressionist artist??

[@pdruiz2005]

Tom Roberts used impressionist techniques. Especially the fuzzy borders between colors. He reminds me of Edouard Manet or early Claude Monet, when Monet was starting off in art school. Tom Roberts was clearly not full-blown impressionist, like the mature Monet or Pierre-Auguste Renoir, where everything is so fuzzy it feels episodic and dream-like. Like Edouard Manet, it appears Tom Roberts stuck to realism.

[@Songbirdstress]

Light. Interesting he's more like a Realist here Manet, Zola, Wilkie Collins. Courbet, Caillebotte.

[@Songbirdstress]

@@pdruiz2005 Ha, I should have read your comment :)

[@georgiesmith106]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@layalabi1667]

Thank you!¡!

[@goodgamegaming777]

best episode eveeer!

[@phredmadsen-vallee8375]

Wonderful.

[@polljones8921]

It's not the "outback" for god's sake. There are no towering red gums like that or yard fences, dams or grassy hills in our outback. I would've thought if they were talking to an alleged expert on Australian art (a Brit mind you) that she'd bother familarising herself with the location of the painting she's waffling on about. "A break away!" by Tom Roberts was painted at Corowa, NSW which is on the banks of the Murray River and bloody nowhere near the outback. Useless fools.

[@johnjames218]

The painting is all about the couple that actually own it, amazing but how many couples around the world can relate to this

[@elainerile1326]

I was not keen on this couple- felt there was something disingenuous about her and I found his self-pity overwhelming. Fiona was taken in, less so Philip.

[@dawn5227]

Very over done.. I wasn't watching for their sob story of riches to semi rags. I was interested in the art. Fiona Bruce is just as 'over done' as this couple and it gets rather tiring to watch.

[@zogzog1063]

I agree, but to a lesser degree. They were always going to sell the painting so it mainly about money.

[@MrRanhagen]

Depression, a horrifying illness for the subject that also takes it toll on everyone around. A friend of mine was severely depressed. Complete darkness. Couldn't see the beauty in anything, not even his kids growing up. I didn't recognize him at all. it took 10 years of overwhelming support and meds in periods. Today he is the strong, funny and fantastic character he once was. Imagine this man while being mayor, what a shift...

[@petenrita]

I think when one gets desperate, the painting had to be real. not a good position to be in. She has a career and freedom from the burden of guilt and failure. I think without cameras the guy. was probably very silent about everything.

[@zagrizena]

@@MrRanhagen Have had a first hand experience. I agree, it's not fun, literally. That said, no depression itself forces a person to be disingenuous, especially around topics not intimately concerning one's person. So they just may have a habit of putting on a façade or they just don't like being very authentic with people not close to them or people in general. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not that likeable in general...

[@joeswampdawghenry]

If its not impressionism,,, its not art,, its overthought ...done before garbaaaaage......lol😁😁😁😁🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@aaron2709]

Pro tip: Don't drag your fucking finger over the painting.

[@ashleybellofsydney]

The man from the Sunshine Coast suffering depression, I thought, had a sexual chemistry with Fiona Bruce, especially at the announcement at the end...

[@picassoboy52]

Any word that ends with a G, like painting, or feeling, or looking, she pronounces as if it's a K. Paintink. Feelink. Quite annoying

[@bruce8429]

This particular episode is particularly helpful for Marxists and Communists. Made to order for their propagandists.

[@richardichard4237]

After the confirmation that this painting was, in fact, an original Tom Roberts painting, it sold at auction for £15....unfortunately.

[@Hypatia4242]

It wasn't a very good painting, unfortunately. The sentiment was stronger than the composition.

[@SantaBarbaraBiking]

There would be a reserve so I’m not believing this. 🙄

[@dawn5227]

Think your missing a few 0s on that figure

[@algini12]

That 15k in Euros that you are seeing is what Natoli originally paid for it, not what it actually sold for after the episode. You got confused on the google answers. The 7,500 in the show, is probably a non Euro currency. Otherwise, why would a broke Natoli buy back his painting for twice as much as he paid it for? Also if you had continued on, you would see that till this day, it remains on reserve at a starting price of 500k. Why it remains unsold seems to be mystery. Though speculation is that its not an outback painting which is what Roberts is famous for. To me, it's very emotionally evocative and a masterpiece.

[@polgara1573]

@Aussie Andy i agree!!

[@rebeccawoehler-moss9627]

Love this program. Thank you making it available.