Legendary forgers staged a solo exhibition

[spigo]

"In 1899 to Brediusu, who was already in the infallibility of estimates was nicknamed" the Pope ", asked the collector of Russian Dmitry Shchukin, brother of the famous collector of Impressionists. He showed the picture of the Dutchman" Allegory of Faith, "which found an antique shop during his visit in Europe, and asked, not whether it is Vermeer? Bredius mocked the naive seeker of masterpieces, and advised as soon as possible to sell a mediocre thing. Shchukin obey an authoritative expert, and put it up for sale in Germany. What a surprise it was Russian collector, got word that the picture only 700 stamps bought himself Bredius. But even more surprised Shchukin, when the "Pope" declared "Allegory of Faith" the work of Wermer. Russia has lost a unique opportunity to get a picture of the great Dutchman. Bredius, to give his behavior patriotic character, gave the picture to the Museum Boynamsa in Rotterdam. The Dutch are accustomed to regard it as a national treasure. But after 30 years suddenly became clear that Bredius had no intention to give up ownership of the "Allegory of the Faith." In 1928, he sold the painting for $ 300 so the American Col. M. Fridzamu, and now it adorns the Metropolitan. " KOZLOV