Fake or Fortune?

(Rochester, NY) - Have you ever viewed a painting labeled as a masterpiece, only to wonder if this work is authentic or fake? Join journalist Fiona Bruce, art buyer Philip Mould, and Dr. Bendor Grosvenor in Fake or Fortune?, an exciting new series from BBC One that investigates mysteries and controversies behind paintings. The series' premiere, “Monet, Monet, Monet,” airs Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT21.1/cable 1011 and 11). In the opening episode, Fiona and Philip discover what they believe is an unrecognized and valuable painting by Monet. But can they convince the powers that be?

In the art world Monet means money. But in order to make big bucks, paintings thought to be by Monet must be accepted into the official register, the "catalogue raisonne" – a five-volume tome which lists every Monet in existence. For the last 18 years, art collector David has been imploring the Wildenstein family who publishes the catalog to accept his painting as a genuine Monet. Despite his research and support of the world's heavyweight Monet scholars, Guy Wildenstein refuses to accept the painting. Is it or is it not a Monet?

With a cast hailing from London’s famed West End Art District, the Fake or Fortune? team uses history, science, and detailed sleuthing to authenticate or flag paintings in question. Famous artists with works in question include Monet, Winslow Homer, Van Meegeren, Rembrandt, Degas, J.M.W. Turner, and Van Dyck. With Bruce’s talents in investigative journalist, Mould’s world-famous eye for exquisite art, and Grosvenor’s expertise in art history, Fake or Fortune? takes viewers on a stimulating mission to expose fakes and verify originals.

The series airs Sundays throughout December, starting December 9 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD.

Image: (from left to right) Bendor Grosvenor, Fiona Bruce, Philip Mould
Image credit: Courtesy of BBC One