Con/Artist

The Life and Crimes of the World's Greatest Art Forger

De: Tony Tetro, Giampiero Ambrosi

Narrado por: Richard Ferrone, Tony Tetro, Giampiero Ambrosi

The world’s most renowned art forger reveals the secrets behind his decades of painting like the masters—exposing an art world that is far more corrupt than we ever knew while providing an art history lesson wrapped in sex, drugs, and Caravaggio.

The art world is a much dirtier, nastier business than you might expect. Tony Tetro, one of the most renowned art forgers in history, will make you question every masterpiece you’ve ever seen in a museum, gallery, or private collection. Tetro’s “Rembrandts,” “Caravaggios,” “Miros,” and hundreds of other works now hang on walls around the globe. In 2019, it was revealed that Prince Charles received into his collection a Picasso, Dali, Monet, and Chagall, insuring them for over 200 million pounds, only to later discover that they’re actually “Tetros.” And the kicker? In Tony’s words: “Even if some tycoon finds out his Rembrandt is a fake, what’s he going to do, turn it in? Now his Rembrandt just became motel art. Better to keep quiet and pass it on to the next guy. It’s the way things work for guys like me.” The Prince Charles scandal is the subject of a forthcoming feature documentary with Academy Award nominee Kief Davidson and coauthor Giampiero Ambrosi, in cooperation with Tetro.

Throughout Tetro’s career, his inimitable talent has been coupled with a reckless penchant for drugs, fast cars, and sleeping with other con artists. He was busted in 1989 and spent four years in court and one in prison. His voice—rough, wry, deeply authentic—is nothing like the high society he swanned around in, driving his Lamborghini or Ferrari, hobnobbing with aristocrats by day, and diving into debauchery when the lights went out. He’s a former furniture store clerk who can walk around in Caravaggio’s shoes, become Picasso or Monet, with an encyclopedic understanding of their paint, their canvases, their vision. For years, he hid it all in an unassuming California townhouse with a secret art room behind a full-length mirror. (Press #* on his phone and the mirror pops open.) Pairing up with coauthor Ambrosi, one of the investigative journalists who uncovered the 2019 scandal, Tetro unveils the art world in an epic, alluring, at times unbelievable, but all-true narrative.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Tony Tetro and Giampiero Ambrosi (P)2022 Hachette Books

Outstanding!

An intriguing story! Obviously, Tony Tetro is a talented man! I enjoyed hearing about his artistic path in life. I’ve already told several (artist) friends to read/listen to it. I loved this book!

Couldn't put it down

An exciting read and very honest biography. I love art and visiting museums. I know virtually nothing about painting but, when I see a Rembrandt, I'm awe struck. I couldn't tell you why. Tony Tetro explains why in this book. So, you'll learn some things about art in a very entertaining way.

Definitely NOT a disappointment.

I had never heard of this author and was reluctant to buy a book where the author is also the narrator however this guy surprised the heck out of me. He IS a genius and a great story teller and is excellent at back story, history, etc and spins it into the best novel I have read in ages. Good job Tony!!!

Great audiobook

Wonderful audiobook. Intriguing captivating story. I would rate this book 4.5 stars. I understand the reason for the awards for the audio version of this work, it was great.

Beautiful true story

Its great to hear the whole story been told by the man genius who did it .

Wonderful Read!

I’d never heard of Tony Tetro, but now I’ll never forget him. His story is fascinating and full of interesting cultural references and asides. I learned a lot about art, the painting process, and the well guarded secrets of the art world. Who knew Dali signed and sold blank canvases, never giving a whit for whether he was forged? The narrator had the right inflection and tone for a man of Tony’s background and age - and he voiced Tony’s book faultlessly as written; the casual conversational language, the “tough guy” expressions, and his very personal hopes, dreams and fears. Easy and compelling read for anyone interested in art, crime, or high society.

Slimy character

I'm fascinated by art theft and art forgery so I thought this book would be Interesting. It was, but I was very, there is no other word for it, disgusted by Tetro. He was never sorry or ashamed of what he did , in fact most of the time he seems quite proud of himself and thinks he is a great artist. It seems to me only chance that he didn't end up being a counterfeiter. The narrator did a great job of sounding like a scumbag.

Crime apparently does pay

The narrator did a great job job and I really enjoyed his storytelling. The story itself is basically crime does pay and someone who doesn’t seem to learn anything from his mistakes. There’s no remorse or reflection just a constant stream of bragging about his talent, his cars, the women etc. I didn’t need a story of epic redemption but I expected more than this.

A new way to view art

Ironically, an authentic story that helps illuminate the schemes at play in the world of fine art. He was a great foil to the pomp and pretension of the rich and allowed them to let themselves be fooled. His story telling and creating incredible forgeries proves that he had just as much artistry as those he copied.

Phenomenal Story About the Corrupt Art World and more…

Tony Tetro is an artist who loves art and while he may have forged and cross a line one shouldn’t — his tale reveals the limits avarice and the contemptuous will go to derogate art, exploit anyone and anything and luxuriate in the unregulated excesses of capitalism. The art world attracts as many sleazy and soulless people as gun running, drug dealing, and stock trading. A phenomenal book, well written; the text is well performed and compelling. Thank you!