Julian Crowley
9. Tony Tetro
Tony Tetro painting in jail
The LA district attorney called Tetro “the single largest forger of art works in America.” With his career in forgery having lasted over 30 years, this doesn’t seem like hyperbole.
Tetro forged pieces of art by a wide range of masters – from Rembrandt to Dali to Chagall – and was only caught when artist Hiro Yamagata was surprised to find what was purported to be his own work hanging in a gallery.
Forged Caravaggio: St John the Baptist
After spending 5 years in prison, Tetro forged a new career in the production of “forged” works for private clients, but a court order that requires him to sign all of his works should stop him from pulling the wool over more buyers’ eyes.
