Modigliani Exhibition in Genoa Shut Early Over Forgery Allegations
Italian prosecutors seized 21 artworks suspected as fakes from a Modigliani exhibition at Genoa's Palazzo Ducale, leading to its premature closure. The show, which opened in March 2017, featured around 60 works, with allegations initiated by collector Carlo Pepi, who identified one piece online as a shameless fake created two decades prior. Curator Rudy Chiappini, under investigation for fraud, defended the documentation of the displayed works. Pepi made his claims without visiting the exhibition, stating he would never view such eyesores. The case highlights ongoing authentication challenges in the art market, with authorities taking legal action against potential forgeries.
Key facts
- An exhibition of Amedeo Modigliani's works closed early due to forgery claims
- The exhibition opened in March 2017 at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa
- Italian prosecutors alleged 21 of approximately 60 works were possible fakes
- The works were seized by police
- Art collector Carlo Pepi made the initial allegations, calling one work a shameless fake created 20 years ago
- Curator Rudy Chiappini is under investigation for fraud
- Chiappini attested to proper documentation of the works
- Pepi had not visited the exhibition, stating he would never see such eyesores
Entities
Artists
- Amedeo Modigliani
Institutions
- Palazzo Ducale
- The New York Times
Locations
- Genoa
- Italy