The Art Detective

Fakes, Frauds, and Finds and the Search for Lost Treasures

By: Philip Mould

Narrated by: James Langton

What separates a masterpiece from a piece of junk? Thanks to the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and its American spin-off, everyone is searching garage sales and hunting online for hidden gems, wondering whether their attics contain trash or treasures.

In The Art Detective, Philip Mould, one of the world's foremost authorities on British portraiture and an irreverent and delightful expert for the Roadshow, serves up his secrets and his best stories, blending the technical details of art detection and restoration with juicy tales peopled by a range of eccentric collectors, scholars, forgers, and opportunities.

Each chapter focuses on one particular painting and the mystery that surrounds it. Mould is our trusty detective, tracking down clues, uncovering human foibles, and following hunches until the truth is revealed. Mould is known for his ability to crack the toughest puzzles, and whether he's writing about a fake Norman Rockwell, a hidden Rembrandt, or a lost Gainsborough, he brings both the art and the adventure to life. The Art Detective is memoir, mystery, art history, and brilliant yarn all rolled into one.

©2010 Philip-Mould (P)2010 Tantor

Compelling stories

I loved the journeys Mr. Mould took me on and the historical facts resulting from his efforts. This could have been twice as long, and I will seek out additional works by him.

Art for history's sake

Fascinating subject and good historical underpinning. Talented narrator but read too fast as though he had somewhere else to go.

This book sounds like a collection of war stories but leaves a rich residue of real history and biography.

Wonderful tales of art sleuthing beautifully read.

Skip the introduction which is overly academic and get into the meat on the bone. Fascinating detail of picture restoration and provenance in the high dollar art world. The author is a terrific narrator and brilliant mimic of accents. Well done!

If you enjoy antiques road show and...

Wish you knew even more about the back story, you will love this book. I listened to this book in two sittings, and would have enjoyed more. A glimpse into the way art is "made" or not. I especially loved the story about the "old guy and his treasures". This is a day in the life of a treasure hunter and how he goes about the discovery, and more besides. Sit back and enjoy.

An Enjoyable Listen

I truly enjoyed this story of the great art finds Philip Mould brought to life and the tales about the ones that got away. So much is encapsulated in the history of painting and drawing, on canvas, wood, metal and paper; hidden secrets that remain buried under grime and overpainting. It takes an educated art detective, with a little help from his friends, to get to the truth.