Portrait of Deceit
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“Don’t bring up the Modigliani.”
I lowered my voice to a whisper. “Wasn’t that the main reason I called in the board members? To discuss the acquisition of a genuine Amedeo Modigliani portrait?”
“My point exactly.” She leaned into the desk as far as her rotund stature would allow.
“It’s not acquired or verified, and it could be a forgery.” She silently mouthed the next word.
“Fake.” She stood and smoothed her pleated skirt. “Regardless, Ms. Danford called earlier. She said she can meet you tomorrow at nine.”
When an anonymous collector approaches the Richard Museum in Washington, DC, with a possible Modigliani portrait, art authentication expert Olivia Danford is called in. Her talents investigating pieces for museums, universities, and private collectors provide a retreat from a past she’d rather forget. But the chemical analysis and mysterious provenance of The Girl in White reveal much more than what lies beneath the layers of paint. Olivia is drawn back into her past, where she must decide if a half-truth is still a whole lie . . . and if a lie eventually reveals the truth.
Original book cover art by Kelly Berger, www.kellbergerart.com
What lies beneath the layers of paint?
“Jayme Mansfield writes elegantly about art and painting in a way that only an artist can. Portrait of Deceit delves into the world of fakes and forgeries with an uncanny expertise about the topic. It’s a must read for any lover of art and great writing.”
-Anthony Amore, author of the NYT and WSJ bestsellers The Art of the Con and Stealing Rembrandts.
Modigliani’s Nu couché fetched a record-breaking $157.2 million in 2018 at Sotheby’s
Modigliani and Picasso (the short one) in Paris early 1900s.
“Jayme H. Mansfield paints a masterpiece with words that immerse you in its literary beauty, fascinating intrigue, and captivating story. An artist in her own right, Mansfield’s use of vibrant imagery, alluring characters, a magical setting of Venice, and a rollercoaster storyline make this story one that will linger in your memory as a priceless magnum opus.”
-Susan G Mathis, author of Thousand Islands stories
Like me, if you’re intrigued by the world of art forgery, art theft, and art history, you’ll want to read these fascinating books by Anthony Amore: Stealing Rembrandts, Art of the Con, The Woman Who Stole Vermeer, and others!
“Portrait of Deceit is a story that evolved after Jayme Mansfield attended one of my lectures on Fakes, Forgeries and the Art of Deception. As the story grew in her mind, so did our friendship and collaboration. Jayme perfectly captures the twist and turns of a painting attribution investigation, as well as the emotional roller coaster that accompanies it.”
-Dr. Colette Loll, Founder/Director ARTFRAUDINSIGHTS, LLC
Colette Loll
Be sure to visit Colette’s website, www.artfraudinsights.com
to learn more about this multi-faceted and talented woman.
Kelly Berger and Jayme H. Mansfield
Original book cover art by Kelly Berger. See more at kellybergerart.com
