FAKE OR FORTUNE SE2EO3 ANTHONY VAN DYCK

Fake or Fortune?: The tables are turned as art detective Philip Mould puts one of his own finds under the microscope, a painting he bought that he believes could be the work of 17th-century artist Anthony van Dyck. If he is right, it could be worth a small fortune. But to prove it, the piece will have to undergo a thorough restoration, involving the removal of layers of paint - and then be authenticated by an impartial expert. Will Philip's reputation - and the painting - make it to the end of the journey unscathed?

[@vistaverde77]

Just discovered this series and have to say I’ve been binge watching ever since. Incredible….

[@alhonsoo]

Yes it is a very entertaining and informative program !!!

[@graceaxisa4213]

Phillip is beautiful and vulnerable in this episode. Revealing the anxiety he feels. I respect his admission that he has lost the ability to view the painting objectively. I have paused the tape at 52:22 to write this, so I don't know the outcome yet. As for Fiona, her voice of reason and caution throughout balances this episode perfectly. I love Fake or Fortune! I just can't get enough of it. Forget murder mysteries!

[@mycatsnameiskaren8253]

Philip is a beautiful soul. Truly.

[@audreymuzingo933]

LOL I'm at 37:27 and I'm thinking Miss Fiona might like a wee slap! I know, I know, she's to provide the stuff you said, and laying it on a bit thick for TV if we can be honest. BUT they're both still a lot more real than typical reality personalities. I do love the show too.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

I so agree. During COVID lockdown I looked to Monty Don and Philip for a hint of the intimate normality that had so deserted us. I deeply appreciate the man as well. Warmest regards Jennie

[@graceaxisa4213]

@@jenniewilliams1668 ❤️❤️❤️

[@gillsharp9249]

My view is, I think Fiona is very rude, dismissive and disrespectful towards Philip in this episode, making it sound like he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He looks quite hurt by her comments at times. Quite upsets me, tbh.

[@jdawgchappellicious]

Well, I would say this is the best episode I've seen--but I feel that way after every episode! What a great discovery to find this series! Bravo BBC, Fiona, and Philip!

[@tdmccoy1211]

I hope Phillip, and his partner, know exactly how well this reflects on their 'eye'. Regardless of all else, they did see something no one else had in hundreds of years.

[@dawn5227]

The restoration on this painting was phenomenal. I've seen many restorations, including the cleaning, Removal of over painting and finally the the retouching of lost paint but the scale and incredible work the woman created on this piece has got to have been the hardest, scariest, and time consuming and then to come out with a painting like this at the level of quality achieved through her hard work is the ultimate of the very very best. All praise to her because this wouldn't exist if it wasnt for her skill and dedication.

[@BogusOp]

during the restoring scene i thought i clicked on Baumgartners channel lol

[@lorrainetaylor7356]

L

[@gloriapinskerportraits4801]

I agree. That takes incredible skill and nerves of steel.

[@celtoloco788]

yeah it really is incredible. Respect to all involved

[@jodienovello5881]

I wish I had even known there was such a trade as conservation of artefacts when growing up, I would have loved to have learned this skill and made a career out of it. I love what these people do, not just art but archaeological artefacts as well. How exciting to see lovely things emerge.

[@STICKITINYOUREAR]

This was the best episode I have seen. I couldn't imagine being able to remove the lacquer from a painting and to not ruin the painting below it. But to follow that by removing a painting without destroying the paining below, that seemed totally unbelievable. It was fascinating to watch the process. Congrats to the woman who was able to do such amazing work. What an eye Bendor has and what guts Mould has, to take such a chance of destroying a well known work of art and gamble that there is a better painting below it. Bravo for showing the intricate work that was required. Thanks to vanitytrash for the download. I have watched this episode many times.

[@elipotter369]

You may be interested in watching Baumgartner Restoration - he goes through all such details.

[@STICKITINYOUREAR]

@@elipotter369 - Who's Baumgartner ?

[@elipotter369]

@@STICKITINYOUREAR a KZbinr.- restores art.

[@STICKITINYOUREAR]

@@elipotter369 - Thank you

[@christopherjameslee3341]

I trained as a conservator and I have to admit if I had been asked to work on this painting, I would have a lot of sleepless nights.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

My God! The work they did to remove that layer of paint! Midway through she looked like she had been stabbed in the chest...my heart sank at that but this episode was a roller coaster. LOL! Plus I learned about another marvelous mystical beast... the wyvern!

[@2Btoobee]

Bendor's "happy face".... PRICELESS!!!

[@johnnydtractive]

The restored face of Henrietta Maria is so beautiful--& it's just as they said initially that van Dyck had a way of emphasizing the best features even on a not traditionally beautiful person. Her skin, her eyes, her nose absolutely sing, as it were.

[@Theater00jock]

Once I saw that varnish removed from the face I realized just how skilled the face was in comparison to the rest of the painting.

[@46danz]

I was blown away by the work of the restorers,incredible patience and dedication.At 25 grand i think that is a bargain.

[@elipotter369]

Yes, seems like very low pay to the restorers.

[@Capeau]

having the right connections always helps

[@monkeytennis8861]

Use the damn space bar, you clown

[@TheKansen]

It was said it took over 500 hours of work and 25 grands in cost. That brings the restoration charges at about 50 pounds per hour. I don't know exact year when this was done, but assuming ~2010 the hourly charge looks reasonable, certainly not a bargain.

[@annnee6818]

​@@TheKansen I was just gonna say. Scalpels and water are cheap so it's pretty much all wages, 50 pounds (bit less) is certainly not what a Manager would be paid but it's not a pittance either. It's just reasonable.

[@chattykathie7129]

Well I don’t think any other episode can top this one! Very exciting, with bated breath we all waited until the closing moments to fine the results. I feel satisfied!

[@ilalapinski6146]

I think the reason is that one can easily see how Philip Mould is clearly emotionally charged here since it is about his own painting.

[@Ally-mf5qx]

I'm confused though. Was the definitive answer that it was by the studio alone or was it left undecided because he needed time to review?

[@sylvia5623]

@@Ally-mf5qx I think just attributed to the studio until further review. But is there an update?? What happened after the further study?

[@lysem4392]

@@Ally-mf5qx the answer was, definitely by the studio, but more than that, "attributed to Van Dyck". My understanding is that un the expert's opinion, Henrietta's clothing is by the studio, but the head is by Van Dyck; also, this was current practice at the time, just because artists were often in such great demand that they could not paint the entire picture and fulfill all their orders. If I understand the expert right, hé is satisfaites this is by VanDyck and His studio, but more corroboration is needed to go beyond his own expertise and confirm his opinion with certainly.

[@blueocean9305]

Philip is a man of great courage. Bravo!

[@OverlandOne]

Bendor is a great researcher and this was surely a team effort. Phillip took a big risk and it paid off.

[@ikeabuchi1]

I've noticed this he reminds me of Sherlock Holmes

[@soniatriana9091]

@@ikeabuchi1 Wow! Your comment is short & accurate!! Good thinking 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!

[@hlloyd-fs4uf]

I have to say that after watching several of these, you can discern the "hand of the master" from the rest. These guys have great eyes, honed by years of immersion in the art world.

[@cathe8282]

The only episode I've enjoyed watching more than once. The stakes, the utter beauty of the restoration, the nerves for presenters who I genuinely enjoy watching...this episode has so much. This painting is gorgeous. The face and the complexity of the red fabric, it just screams decadence and beauty.

[@brendangallagher8087]

One of the best ever programmes from a brilliant series. Love watching experts doing their stuff - Phillip, Bendor, the two incredible restorers and the van Dyck expert right at the end who was absolutely on it after just a brief acquaintance with the painting. Pulled together effortlessly by Fiona Bruce. Programmes like this is why we happily pay our TV licence

[@finbarstadt7213]

It's really gone downhill since Bendor and the restorers left. These days there is very little scientific analysis and even less restoration, just Fiona Bruce pretending she's responsible for much of the research on provenance.

[@vernonrabbetts]

@@finbarstadt7213 Please, even with this supposedly desperate downhill trend, what other TV Channels around the world even bother with this kind of broadcasting? I can think of Deutsche Welle, NHK a few more state owned broadcasters but that's it. There is not one American channel that produces anything of this quality, even in the post Bendor phase. There are real forces aligned to kill off the Beeb, much of them funded by people like the Murdochs, and other media barons. Don't believe for a moment that if they succeed that shows like this will suddenly rain down from the heavens. They won't, Love Island will compete with Ancient Aliens for the most intellectually rigorous show.

[@finbarstadt7213]

Vernon Rabbetts - I agree that we are blessed in terms of the quality of some of our television output but in this case I was thinking of Britain's lost masterpieces, which seems to have taken many of the best elements of Fake or Fortune.

[@kelrogers8480]

There's no excuse for paying a BBC licence. One good programme does not begin to undo the rot! A hundred "good programmes" don't make up for the putrid cesspool that is the BBC. Stop funding this morally bamkrupt institution, and use the money you save to buy yourself a backbone,

[@ivorytower99]

As a collector of works new and old, and after having worked in fine art restoration: I love the little sleuthing techniques that the show presents to the viewer.

[@megumirogers8004]

i am in Vienna,i found the program just few weeks ago.since then i have been enjoying the series.-- specially i was just astonished by this one..it takes amazing courage,how ever how curious they/we are. and the result shows how important what Philip decided with great risk. it is not only about art, but history and culture/religion. yes, as a fact they are together, could not be separated,couldn't them!

[@donoverstreet3210]

Great episode, one of the best. Bendor never ceases to amaze me.

[@mycatsnameiskaren8253]

Bendor is 🔥

[@celtoloco788]

yeah hes good shit. Love that dude

[@celtoloco788]

he does a good series with Alistair Sooke, where they go back and forth about old art and modern art. Its very interesing

[@mazinagha3952]

we need episodes showing us what finally happened to each painting ... were they kept or sold, and if so for how much ?

[@stonew1927]

Gotta give credit to Phillip. He had a hunch, and it turned out to be right. But we would never know if it wasn't for technology and the amazingly, exact records in the British historical archives. But technology was the star in this episode. The x-ray was the first to reveal an underpainting that supported Phillip's suspicion. Then came the restorers who patiently and immaculately revealed the prized painting underneath. After all the work and money, the search paid off! Great effort by the entire team. Very enjoyable episode....

[@ghgmary]

One of my goals in life is to have Philip's optimism. I also need someone to believe in me as he did in this painting

[@simonlloyd7557]

I would happily settle for his money.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

To get people to believe in you,you need to believe in yourself. Everyone has value.We don't all have to be Van Dyck, The simple things you do, say, all are valuable.If you are an artist just keep on keeping on

[@gillsharp9249]

@@simonlloyd7557 I would happily settle for his body 😊

[@rajasreeibs]

What an exciting episode .. plus an amazing program to say the least .. very very well presented and it takes you to all such places where we may never reach by ourselves.. Thanks for uploading such brilliant programs

[@charlesneugent7906]

I’ve only recently discovered this show and I can’t get enough of it. Fiona is my new muse! Well done!

[@darkglobestudio4791]

37:10 - Philip does make a very valid point about the value of a painting that's frozen in the middle of the entire painting process. It would likely be much less valuable than a completed painting, but the educational value is priceless. There are plenty of complete Van Dyck's, but how many have been frozen in time?

[@soniatriana9091]

Once again an exceptional episode! It’s like a Murder Mystery, you’re on edge as you process all the minute clues along the way! Also, taking this chance is equivalent to playing the Stock Market at a high level, the payoff could be incredible or you could lose most or all of it! This is gambling at it BEST!!

[@suewhelan7759]

Wonderful story and phenomenal painting. If Henrietta really looked like that, she was extraordinarily beautiful.

[@marycahill546]

The face is beautiful, especially the eyes. Philip is a genius to have found it!

[@SimonWrigley]

Such a fine episode. Just when you think you have seen your favorite one (Tom Robert's, 'cause I'm Australian) then this one!!!!!! Oh my what nerves of steel, those dedicated restores, worked on by the angels! You can see by the proportions of the face, the expression is so Royal and focused, this can only be a master painter here, the depth, colour choice (the subtle colours, the depth, tonal contrast, all point to the painter who knows his choices. Well done Fiona Philip, and Bendor and restorers, you are brave and trusting. (ps. have you ever thought of using clairvoyants? England has some of the best. That is when you're really stumped :)

[@mikewilliams4438]

A very satisfying story indeed, I resisted the urge to skip to the end to find out because I was enjoying the tension through the various stages. Excellent and a good result!

[@sallyplus4]

I've learned more about art viewing this channel. It's given me an appreciation of art I never possessed before.

[@Krokodolit]

Christie's sold it in 2022: "Further highlights included Anthony van Dyck’s beautifully tender Portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria which achieved £2,442,000 / $2,976,798 / €2,825,394," I was very impressed by this combination of competence and courage

[@nadezhdagecheva6885]

It was a different portrait. Sorry to ' rain on your parade' ,as Fiona says.

[@oliverhemmings1978]

I wasn't sure about this episode going in, but it turned out to be one of the best! What a discovery, what a risk!

[@Tina06019]

What a beautiful woman Henrietta Maria was, protruding teeth notwithstanding. I do wish someone could paint my face with its "best," most flattering expression.

[@OverlandOne]

Tina: Just remember that ALL women are beautiful and I am certain this includes you as well. Inner beauty radiates outward.

[@cruisepaige]

We have cameras now

[@elipotter369]

I thought they said it was her husband who had protruding teeth, but maybe I watched it too fast.

[@carlabraenne3469]

I have to say i was nervous too when they first started taking off the paint. Kinda a nail bitting moment. I thought they had destroyed it. But when I saw the finish work I was amazed. He really is very much a professional at this!

[@rebeccabeaton9237]

Also kudos to Vendor and the restorers! Incredible!

[@0230Raveena]

Glad it turned out this way....its a stunning painting the begin with. The subtlety of the crown is amazing. I think the value should be greater because you get to see the painting in progress and the signature brush strokes of a master. Very fitting to say that she went under the knife and to display it for all to see is truly nice of Phillip.

[@craigbarron3706]

Wow!!....What an episode!!.....Deeply moving, and rewarding to watch.....Actually shed a tear!!

[@Ally-mf5qx]

Vanessa thanks for all of these! This is definitely one of the better ones.

[@user-hm6bn6kw6k]

Dear mightwenotbehappy: Thank you so much for uploading these episodes. Now I *can* be happy!

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Oh my word! What a beautiful restoration. Magnificent. That face and those eyes and temple. Wow!

[@jeanielaramie6617]

What a fantastic and educational series! I am addicted. A HUGE thumbs up.

[@Marilinaa]

Excellent episode!

[@debbiewilson9712]

Brilliant!!! Simply brilliant. Best episode yet!!

[@tempest957]

Wow! Absolutely Superb!! what a fantastic programme! Please make more and could you do a follow up to what happened to this beautiful painting!

[@TimSchmidt_art]

I've watched a lot of these and I've never seen a fake...so I keep watching and watching. Great show btw, I'm binge-watching.

[@MsIndigo74]

There are several episodes with Fakes. Start with the episode featuring Marc Chagall

[@jockmoron]

Fascinating - Philip who's put his judgement and test and expertise and reputation "on the line" with a substantial investment not just of money, but of his worth as an art dealer . It would be nice to think the conservators could share a small part of any profit. their work is totally amazing.

[@pdruiz2005]

They do share a small part in the profits--they get paid their commissions. That's why Philip paid 32,000 pounds total to get all of this done. He bought the painting for 7,000 pounds. So that's a good 25,000 going to the conservators, art restorers, etc. Remember, they have a lot more paintings coming down the pipeline. The conservators are not starving. :D

[@markinnes4264]

I love this series! Thank you for posting!

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

Brilliant , I never read the comments before watching,i love art so beautiful to peer into the past in this case,love it

[@relentlesslycheerful]

Love this show, so insightful. Particularly when they use the theme from "SAW" to ramp up the tension.

[@AlexStalenberg]

Marvellous. & what a courage ...

[@bigbearfuzzums7027]

Love van dyck...this one is a fave ! It's a survivor and truly worthy painting!

[@jpfloru8669]

Golly these programmes really are magnificent. What an eye. What perspicacity!

[@jarmtl]

I feel there's not enough credit given to the conservation team. Wonderful job.

[@rebeccabeaton9237]

What an absolutely marvelous outcome! Kudos Philip!!

[@rosered103]

And this is why I tune in to watch these episodes. Thank you....okay, now my heart has stopped racing after finding out the results. Actually after studying her face, she is rather pretty and the painter even put the hump in her nose. Which to my way of thinking is unusual. What say you?

[@paysonmarosarioronquillo8229]

This is one of my favourite Episode Thank you for this ❤

[@scottishchipmunk2332]

Just watched this episode, wow, fantastic restoration, very exciting. But I'm puzzled... If this painting was 'unfinished' and therefore not seen, how were there 4 other 'copies' of the same painting - all finished?

[@annabellelee4535]

Studio copies perhaps? It would have been seen by his people at the studio, I would think. Good question.

[@adaline825]

When i started to watch the episode, i had a feeling that Philip has made a great mistake. But in the end, after revealing the picture underneath, i was just amazed what he had accomplished. Regardless of the result, i believe this is a fantastic bargain.

[@kelvinwarburton2558]

FAKE OR FORTUNE is by any standard the best tv series the BBC has ever produced, It is a credit to all involved. I was never really interested in the art world, however, it's my must-watched Series and if i ever had the funds to purchase a piece of art I would seek out Philip and co to advise me, not to mention Fiona as well.

[@MatthewWalker_93_]

best episode. amazing.

[@bethbartlett5692]

No words. What a great Restoration Team. Congratulations! Tennessee, USA

[@Jaja22300]

Rebecca and Jo are amazing and patient woman Respect to them

[@harrylen1688]

True inspiring document....im speechless ~

[@thefilmandmusic]

Thé work, and imagination that went into this,,, mind boggling

[@brahmburgers]

So satisfying to watch these specials, ... from an old guy in Hawaii. Thanks!

[@flynnterry9848]

Fantastic show , unbelievable what they discover in each workings .JOLLY good show guys , 😎

[@pattihawks353]

Enjoyed this ! Interesting art lesson, history and several enjoyable people.🧡🌻

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

I love this entire story!

[@zopizopi5054]

The best entertainment for me !!!! Thank you so verrrrrrrrrry much.....

[@StereoSpace]

What an interesting and beautifully made program.

[@GrahamCLester]

It's a bit strange to me that so many finished copies would have been made of a portrait that was unfinished. Beautiful portrait though, regardless of who painted it.

[@Eionful]

Have you guys ever considered that, over the many hours while sitting, the conversation between painter and subject, and the possibility that the head-strong king might want the painter to draw out some information for him, or that the painter may discover something he may take the liberty to hide?

[@jeffpetrie7744]

Amazing episode! Thank you!!

[@KhonziweKeemTukwayoProphet]

You guys are so real and genuine I love you

[@rebelrog]

I love British Humor: "Academics; people who aren't giving their opinions for money". 18:42 That's hilarious!!!

[@debrah7548]

Talk about on tenterhooks… I made my jaws sore clenching. Brought the suspense home proper, this episode!

[@annwagner5779]

Oh, Nicholas Penny! I knew him when he was at the American National Gallery. What a cool guy! He told wonderful stories.

[@MrGino714]

What a team! Not quite the usual presentators indeed.

[@Stuarts84]

Mind. Blown.

[@rebecca5279]

Super interesting, love these!

[@stuartgregory6848]

Love Fake or Fortune.

[@timanderson6005]

The restorer is a wonder.

[@jefferywarburton2116]

The draftsmanship defining our right side of the face is something that should be compared to known works.

[@KittyHannah]

Any one feel like they know something about fine art conservation after watching Julian Baumgartner? Lol

[@user-ek6ff8jq5u]

OMG His face at 10:00.. He looks at his boy, " like YEAH "!!

[@tommajor6239]

Loving this channel . Gem Hunters was great too.

[@Luboman411]

At 19:41. So it's Wilton House that's a stand-in for Buckingham Palace in "The Crown." I recognize that enormous multi-person painting--it features prominently in a lot of scenes from "The Crown." The funny thing is that I went, "Whoa, that is a huge Anthony Van Dyck" the first time I saw this room in the show. And I was right! It's the presence of Henrietta Maria in the middle of the portrait that immediately made me think, "Yeah, that's Van Dyck."

[@thefilmandmusic]

Superb show...

[@lynneward2471]

We was not told the outcome was the painting genuine or just the face was done by vandyke? Is it still hanging in mansion House? I would like to see it after the lockdown.

[@mahahassan369]

She is a beautiful woman regardless of what is the value of the picture.

[@Gamla123]

Amazing episode!

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

The restoration of the original painting under the more recent one that covered it is very delicate, professional and interesting. But authentication by a specialist always leaves the smell of a scam to value an unsigned work of art without a specific document indicating its authorship.

[@riasidabutar372]

From the various situation where the Van Dyk work are either completed by other person or finished by other person - somehow In feel the challenges of an artist to put forward his ideal by pouring his all on the work versus the need for the economy

[@lupodisol]

This and excellent program!

[@perrystelly3471]

For the past 23 years I have worked at the Windsor Court hotel in New Orleans Louisiana, USA ! We / the Windsor Court, hotel have the original painting of Queen Henrietta Maria by Anthony Van Dyck ! The painting hangings on the second floor area of the hotel called the Palm Court , with a little research you can see it in the hotel ,in New Orleans Louisiana, USA! 2021 ...........

[@indoororchidsandtropicals358]

17:26 what is the finished painting doing on the wall at a time when they are supposed to be just starting the removal of the blue dress?

[@pepperco100]

I got a good deal at a flea market on an Elvis painted on black velvet.

[@cryptonite8495]

So the expert was going to ponder the face further to determine whether that part of the painting was done by van Dyck himself. Is it significant that the final verdict was not included in this episode?