I've always thought that my reading mood changes with the season, and that's certainly been true this month. I've mostly put down my usual thrillers in favor of more non-fiction titles. The latest to catch my eye is Con/Artist by notorious art forger Tony Tetro and his co-author Giampiero Ambrosi. Tetro's publisher was kind enough to send me a review copy of the book just ahead of its publication today. I was instantly intrigued by the idea of learning about the dark underworld of the art world. I was surprised to learn just how much crime permeated that field.
No one sets out to be a criminal. Certainly, the idea never crossed young Tony's mind. He grew up in small-town New York, the kind of place that's heyday was way behind it. He had an affinity for art, honing his skills through school and practice. Still, he never saw art as a viable career option. Real life came at Tony fast. By the age of 16, he was a father. He married soon after and was ready to try to make something out of his life. This yearning saw him move to the west coast. Tony did odd jobs like selling furniture, but this just wasn't enough to support his young family.
It started innocently enough, the mere spark of an idea that would go on to shape the rest of Tony's life. He turned to his art, crafting a small sketch modeled in the style of a lesser-known artistic master. Armed with this simple drawing and a story about cleaning out his late grandfather's attic, Tony sold the sketch to an art dealer. From that moment on, Tony's life would never be the same. He would go on to meticulously forge are in the style of some of the best-known artists to ever touch paint to canvas. Along the way, he would become filthy rich and have to grapple with all the nefarious implications of criminally obtained wealth.
Con/Artist reads like a classic gangster movie. Think Goodfellas mixed with Oceans Eleven. Tony Tetro writes with a matter of fact prose that reads like you're listening to an old friend recall his wild story. He doesn't hold back. With the money comes fast cars, lavish vacations, and plenty of drugs. What really struck me was Tetro's reverence for those artists his painting emulated. The thing that set him apart from other forgers was his attention to detail. He meticulously crafted each painting through hours of study and experimentation. Tetro admits that the scientific advancements of today would immediately reveal his works to be fake, but his run in the 70s and 80s is remarkable to learn about. This non-fiction reads like something straight out of the movies, making it an insightful and ceaselessly entertaining read.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2022, 53)
I've read a few books about art forgers that I've really enjoyed, and this sounds like another one I'd really like. It's that whole world of Art and great artists that always seems to draw me in. :D
ReplyDeleteThis one makes for a really wild ride!
DeleteGoodfellas mixed with Oceans Eleven?! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteRight?! It was so entertaining!
DeleteThat sure sounds like it would be quite good.
ReplyDeleteIt really was. Not something that would normally be on my radar, but it was a nice surprise.
DeleteI find it kind of sad that he went from family guy to (almost) wiseguy. Your description of Goodfellas mixed with Oceans Eleven sounds dead on
ReplyDeleteIt really came from a place of desperation. I think that's why he's still an endearing character. But yes, it is a sad trajectory.
DeleteThis intrigues me. Wonderful review Ethan.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It wasn't a book that was initially on my radar, but I'm glad to have read it.
DeleteI would not expect a book like this to sound like you're having a chat with a friend -- it's that which makes me so curious as to the sort of person that can be a forger and write like that.
ReplyDeleteIt makes for an interesting dichotomy. He's knowingly committing crimes, but seems like a nice guy haha
DeleteI actually have a copy of this book. It sounds so interesting! I had hoped to read it last week but life didn't cooperate. It is definitely on my tbr for next month!
ReplyDeleteIt is a quick one, so I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
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