In a startling revelation, the Tokushima Prefectural Museum of Modern Art has announced that one of its prized possessions, the oil painting titled "Riding a Bicycle," has been determined to be a forgery. Acquired in 1999 for a staggering 67.2 million yen (around $100,000 at the time), the artwork had long been attributed to French painter Jean Metzinger but is now identified as a fake by the infamous German forger Wolfgang Beltracchi.
The announcement was made on March 25, 2025, during a press conference where museum officials detailed the findings that led to this significant conclusion. Tokujo Azuma, the museum director, explained that the decision was largely based on evidence gathered from a comprehensive investigation, including information provided by the Berlin State Police and Beltracchi's own admission of guilt.
In August 2024, authorities notified the museum of suspicious activities surrounding the painting. A person associated with Beltracchi, who had previously received a prison sentence as his accomplice, was discovered attempting to auction the same artwork.
Beltracchi himself acknowledged his involvement with the painting during an interview, claiming, "I believe I sold the painting to a dealer in Paris around 1988 for about $100,000." In his autobiography, he even listed "Riding a Bicycle" as one of his works, further complicating the provenance.
The museum's inquiry gained momentum after the German copyright organization for Metzinger confirmed that the previous attribution was incorrect, leading the museum to conduct a thorough analysis of the painting's origins. They also reported having received critical testimonies from individuals involved in the initial appraisal, including scholars who had previously certified its authenticity.
Director Azuma expressed the museum's commitment to transparency, stating, "We want to create opportunities for the public to see the painting and understand the situation. This has been a source of concern for many who have admired the piece." He noted that while the artwork is currently removed from display, plans are underway to showcase it again alongside context regarding its authenticity.
The museum is slated to undertake further scientific examinations to confirm the forgery status, including paint analysis. Despite the continuing investigation, officials expressed confidence that the findings will not alter the determination that the piece is a forgery.
In an unfortunate parallel, the Kochi Prefectural Art Museum, located just south of Tokushima, also announced concerns about a painting titled "Girl and White Bird," which was purchased approximately 30 years ago for 18 million yen and is suspected of being a forgery by Beltracchi. This connection highlights the far-reaching implications of Beltracchi's art fraud, which has cast a shadow over numerous institutions.
Furthermore, as the Tokushima museum navigates its legal options, including potential claims against the Osaka art dealer from whom "Riding a Bicycle" was purchased, it exemplifies a growing trend among museums seeking redress for fraudulent acquisitions. This case underscores not only the monetary stakes involved but also the reputational damage that such revelations can inflict on galleries and their credibility.
This incident raises broader questions about art authentication and the mechanisms in place to prevent such deceptions in the future. As the art world grapples with the implications of these findings, the stakes are significant, affecting the trust that collectors and patrons place in institutions tasked with preserving and validating cultural heritage.
In summary, the disclosure about the forgery raises pressing issues surrounding the complexities of verifying the authenticity of artworks and the responsibilities of art institutions to their patrons. As the Tokushima museum vows to transparently address this situation, it serves as a reminder of the continued vigilance necessary to uphold the integrity of the art world.
