The problem of orginality and value in the Lady Michaelis gifts to the South African National Gallery
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2010
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South African Journal of Art History
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The issue of authenticity in visual art is critically addressed at the outset of this paper. This general discussion leads to a study of the works presented by Lady Michaelis to the South African National Gallery in the 1930s. Many of the paintings and drawings in this gift collection have never been exhibited because of doubts about their authenticity and claims that they are fake. The collection is analysed to assess the justification or otherwise for these doubts. It is concluded that, even if doubts justifiably exist about some of the works, others have firmer attributions to interesting artists. Moreover, it is argued, even those which do not might still be exhibited in an age which has revised its view of the ‘authenticity’ issue.
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Reference:
Tietze, A. (2010). The problem of originality and value in the Lady Michaelis gifts to the South African National Gallery. South African Journal of Art History, 25(2), 161-176.