Anthropologist Monique Jeudy-Ballini Examines Forgers as Art World Mirrors

Anthropologist Monique Jeudy-Ballini has published a book titled "Les faussaires, miroirs sans tain du marché de l'art" in the Ethnologiques collection directed by Philippe Descola (éditions Mimesis). The work approaches forgers through ethnographic discourse analysis, arguing that forgeries are a massive phenomenon in institutions and the art market. She cites Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who estimated up to 50% of works in museum collections are dubious. Jeudy-Ballini sets aside moral and legal judgment to understand forgers' motivations, but notes the difficulty of studying a clandestine milieu. She relies on autobiographical testimonies, published interviews, and expert writings from exposed forgers like Wolfgang Beltracchi, Eric Hebborn, and Guy Ribes. The author suggests forgery involves not just technical virtuosity but creating an imaginary history and pedigree for works, and that the forger's invisibility approaches artistic performance. The book questions authenticity, noting how contemporary art has challenged this notion through imposture and appropriation. It argues that art rests on a belief system upheld by experts, dealers, and collectors, and forgers reveal its fragility. The article was published in Le Journal des Arts n°676 on May 2, 2026.