Fake or Fortune? Series 11, Episode 4
October 16, 2023
Could a mysterious canvas covered in white paint be by one of the most important painters of the 20th century?
In this final episode of Fake or Fortune? Series 11, Philip and Fiona investigate a puzzling painting potentially by the Armenian-American artist Arshile Gorky, a pioneer of abstract expressionism. There is, however, one major obstacle that gets on the way of owner Liza Dunluce's fortune - the painting is covered in white paint.
Technical analysis by The Courtauld's Professor Aviva Burnstock reveals a cheap household paint on top, prompting attempts to safely remove it. Dates suggest the painting's origin between 1928 and 1931, but visible elements differ from Gorky's early work...
Authentication could make it worth millions, but Gorky's family questions if the white layer should be removed at all. The dilemma arises: remove the paint and risk non-authentication, or preserve the work in a permanent state of limbo?
