Fake Or Fortune?
Every picture tells a story, but in this engaging mini-series valuable paintings are about to be treated as crime scenes! Beyond the genteel galleries and upmarket auction houses of the art world lies a dimension rarely seen - a darker side of incalculable wealth, social ambition, and sometimes subterfuge. A recognized art sleuth, a doctor of history, and cutting edge scientists join forces to discover the truth behind controversial paintings. From Paris and Amsterdam to Cape Town and New York, the team employs old-fashioned detective skills, real-time investigations, and the latest forensic testing to reveal compelling tales of lost masterpieces, forgers and Nazi-looted art.
Fake Or Fortune? Previous Broadcasts
Turner: A Miscarriage of Justice? (Episode #202H)
KQED 9: Mon, Jun 17, 2013 -- 9:00 PM
Fiona Bruce and expert Philip Mould explore the history of three paintings bequeathed to the National Museum of Wales when their owner died in 1951. It was always believed the pieces were by landscape artist J.M.W. Turner, but only months after the museum took ownership, experts branded them fakes and unfit to hang on the gallery walls. Now Philip sets out to prove their authenticity once and for all. And, as reported in the New York Times on Sept. 24, 2012, they succeed!
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 19, 2013 -- 2:00 AM
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 8:00 PM
- KQED 9: Tue, Jun 18, 2013 -- 3:00 AM
Degas and the Little Dancer (Episode #201H)
KQED 9: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 -- 9:00 PM
Fiona Bruce and expert Philip Mould investigate more works of art with mysterious origins. They begin by examining a painting that owner Patrick Rice believes is by Edgar Degas. If correct, it could be worth about half a million pounds. Although Patrick's father bought it from a reputable dealer in 1945, the piece failed to make the official catalogue of the artist's work - meaning it is not classed as genuine by auction houses and is currently valued at only 200 pounds. Fiona and Philip trace the artwork back through time to find out whether it really was created by one of France's greatest artists.
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED Life: Sun, Jun 16, 2013 -- 11:00 AM
- KQED Life: Wed, Jun 12, 2013 -- 2:00 AM
- KQED Life: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 8:00 PM
- KQED 9: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 -- 3:00 AM









