Forthcoming Kahlo Book Accused of Containing Forgeries
Published: August 20, 2009
The former is the title of a book, due Nov. 1 from Princeton Architectural Press, that contains reproductions of paintings; drawings; and letters, diaries, notes, trinkets, and other ephemera attributed to the artist. The publisher describes it as “an astonishing lost archive of one of the 20th century's most revered artists” — but some scholars are vigorously denouncing that claim. The supposed trove, which belongs to a Mexican couple, has been known about since December 2005; Mexican art historians and collectors have previously declared that the works are not authentic.
Recently, a group of leading Kahlo scholars issued a letter to the press and to Mexican culture officials declaring that “all of the documents and works in [the collection] are fakes.” According to the publisher, such doubts “are explored directly in the book,” but art experts are still outraged about the impending publication. “This is a perversion of Frida Kahlo,” says art historian James Oles. “It’s just like the Hitler diaries.”
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