Elmyr de Hory
- Born:
- March 14, 1906, Budapest, Austria-Hungary (present-day Hungary)
- Died:
- December 11, 1976, Ibiza, Spain
- Nationality:
- Hungarian
- Profession(s):
- Art Forger, Painter
Early Life and Education
- Born as Elmyr Hoffmann.
- Studied art briefly in Paris.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became notorious for creating and selling forgeries of works by renowned artists, including Modigliani, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir.
- His forgeries successfully deceived numerous art experts and collectors for decades.
- Was eventually exposed and faced legal challenges in multiple countries.
- Subject of the book "Fake!" by Clifford Irving, and subsequently, the Orson Welles documentary film "F for Fake."
Notable Works
- Forged paintings attributed to various masters including:
- Amedeo Modigliani
- Henri Matisse
- Pablo Picasso
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Paintings in his own style, often sold under pseudonyms or as works of lesser-known artists.
Legacy and Impact
Elmyr de Hory's activities highlighted the subjectivity and fallibility of art authentication, and raised questions about the value and perception of art. The details of his life and career are frequently recounted, as reflected in the search term 'elmyr de hory modigliani biography', demonstrating sustained interest in his story.