Chapter I: Front Matter

Transcriber’s Note

Text preceded by a caret symbol ^ and enclosed in curly braces {} was superscripted in the original book; text enclosed in equals signs was in =boldface=; and text enclosed in underscores was in _italics_.

THE GENTLE ART OF FAKING

The New Art Library

“The admirable New Art Library.”--_Connoisseur._

NEW VOLUME.

=Perspective.=

As applied to pictures, with a section dealing with
architecture. 472 Illustrations. 18s. nett.
By REX VICAT COLE.

“Makes perspective quite fascinating.--_Aberdeen Journal._

“An indispensable book to the student of art.”--_Daily Graphic._

RECENTLY ISSUED.

=Water Colour Painting.=

By ALFRED W. RICH. 60 Illustrations. 10s. 6d. nett.

“Mr. Rich’s work has placed him among the comparatively few water-colourists of to-day who count, and the work of his students proves that he can teach.”--_Saturday Review._

=The Artistic Anatomy of Trees.=

By REX VICAT COLE. Over 500 Illustrations. 15s. nett.

“Like all the volumes of the New Art Library, thorough in its teaching, eminently practical in its manner of presenting it, and splendidly illustrated.”--_Connoisseur._

=The Practice and Science of Drawing.=

By HAROLD SPEED. 96 Illustrations. 10s. 6d. nett.

“No work on Art has been published in recent years which might be more advantageously placed in the hands of a young student. Every page shows robust common sense expressed in a clear style.... We imagine that Mr. Speed is an admirable teacher, and cordially recommend his treatise.” --_Athenæum._

=The Practice of Oil Painting and Drawing.=

S. J. SOLOMON, R.A. 80 Illustrations. 10s. 6d. nett.

“If students were to follow his instructions, and still more, to heed his warnings, their painting would soon show a great increase in efficiency.”--_Manchester Guardian._

=Human Anatomy for Art Students.=

By Sir ALFRED DOWNING FRIPP, K.C.V.O., 159 Illustrations. 15s. nett.

“Combines the best scientific and artistic information.”--_Connoisseur._

=Modelling and Sculpture.=

By ALBERT TOFT, A.R.C.A., M.S.B.S. With 119 Illustrations. 15s. nett.

“Will be found an invaluable aid to the student.... Takes the student step by step through the various technical processes, the text being supplemented by over a hundred excellent illustrations.”--_Studio._

SEELEY, SERVICE & CO., LTD., 38 Great Russell St.

_Photo_] [_Alinari_

SUPPOSED PORTRAIT OF THE POET BASTIANINI BENIVIENI.

A direct cast from the original now in Paris and formerly kept in the Louvre Museum.]

THE GENTLE ART
OF
FAKING

A HISTORY OF THE METHODS OF PRODUCING
IMITATIONS & SPURIOUS WORKS OF ART
FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES UP
TO THE PRESENT DAY

BY
RICCARDO NOBILI
AUTHOR OF “A MODERN ANTIQUE”

“Le dernier mot de l’art je le trouve dans la contrefaçon”
SAINTE-BEUVE

WITH 31 ILLUSTRATIONS

LONDON
SEELEY SERVICE & CO. LTD.
38 GREAT RUSSELL STREET
1922

TO

MRS. MARY S. SHEPARD

WITH THE DEVOTED AFFECTION OF A SON

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED