John Myatt is a British artist who gained fame for his ability to paint a ‘genuine fake’ – paintings that imitate the works of the history’s greatest artists. He became famous in the art world after being involved in one of the biggest cases of art fraud of the 20th century together with art dealer John Drewe. Even after being imprisoned in Brixton Prison, Myatt’s talent of replicating paintings by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso has made him an icon in the contemporary art world.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
John Myatt was born in Staffordshire, England and had a passion for art from childhood. He continued to follow his dream by enrolling in an art course in college and learned the methods of painting from the classical to the contemporary artists. Myatt first began his career as an art teacher; thus, he had a mission to pass on his experience and creativity to others. His artistic career changed when he decided to put an classified advert in the newspaper offering ‘real forgeries’ of famous paintings. This venture was the starting point of his career as an artist who is famous for replicating famous paintings with high precision.
Rise to Fame and Notoriety
John Myatt’s path to stardom was not a conventional one, as he became famous for being a part of an art scam. Myatt collaborated with Professor John Drewe, a fraudster who claimed to be a professor, and the two of them produced remarkably realistic copies of famous paintings that Drewe then sold as the real thing. This operation duped well-known organisations such as Christie’s and garnered millions of dollars. Myatt’s flawless copies of paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso made him famous when Scotland Yard detectives uncovered the scam. The scandal not only revealed Myatt’s incredible skill but also ensured his position in the history of art as the painter behind some of the most famous ‘real forgeries’.
The Art Fraud Scandal
The art fraud case of John Myatt and John Drewe is one of the biggest art fraud cases of the 20th century. It started in the 1980s when Drewe, who pretended to be an art dealer, persuaded Myatt to paint copies of famous paintings. Myatt was a very talented painter who was able to copy the works of Matisse, Monet, and Picasso among others. Drewe then created fake provenance documents and sold these fakes to auction houses and galleries such as Christie’s.
The operation remained unnoticed for almost a decade and more than two hundred forged paintings were sold to the public. But, the scheme was exposed in the early 1990s when some doubts were cast on the originality of several of the pieces. Scotland Yard began an investigation and the sophisticated scam was revealed. Myatt complied with the police, which resulted in Drewe’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment. Myatt received a short prison term, and the scandal had a long-term effect on the art world, with concerns over the authenticity and ownership of artworks.
Life After Prison: A New Beginning
After a short stint in Brixton Prison, John Myatt came out a changed man and ready to start painting the right way. Accepting his past, he started to create what he called ‘real counterfeits’ and started to produce them legally and with great skill. Myatt was truthful and talented; he received invitations to exhibit his paintings and people wanted to buy his works. His journey was documented in the media and in documentaries, which helped him regain the trust of the public. Today, Myatt is known not only for his past but for his fresh input in the art world, combining references with innovation.
Artistic Style and Techniques
John Myatt’s artistic style is defined by his great skill in imitating the styles of the world’s most famous artists. He pays close attention to brushstrokes, colours, and compositions of the works of Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and other artists. Myatt uses conventional techniques and sometimes incorporates materials that were in use during the specific time he is depicting. He has the ability to mimic these artists and produce works that are almost identical to the original works. Furthermore, Myatt incorporates his own elements into the paintings, combining the respect for history with his vision, which makes each artwork a personal tribute to the masters of art.
Famous Works and Replicas
Some of the most famous paintings of John Myatt include the copies of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” Such pieces are noteworthy for their high level of detail and the high degree of similarity to the original works by the great artists, which made John Myatt a famous painter.
Limited Edition John Myatt Artworks
John Myatt’s limited edition artwork is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of art that is unique and rare. These editions are limited in number, which adds to their scarcity and, therefore, their value. Every piece is signed by Myatt which is a proof of its originality and makes it even more valuable in the art world.
John Myatt’s Influence on Modern Art
John Myatt has made a significant contribution to the contemporary art world, questioning the concepts of originality and art’s worth. His “genuine fakes” have provoked debates on the concept of authenticity and counterfeiting and have inspired artists and collectors of the present time. Myatt’s work focuses on the aesthetics of duplication, defying limits and promoting the understanding of craftsmanship in contemporary art.
Artworks for Sale: Investing in John Myatt Paintings
Purchasing an original John Myatt painting is an excellent chance to acquire the works of art by the master of copying. Original and limited edition works can be bought, all of which display Myatt’s talent and his artistic experience. These pieces can be obtained from galleries, for instance, St. Paul’s Gallery that has a collection of Myatt’s artwork. These artworks not only form an interesting chapter in the history of art but also make excellent pieces for any collection. Whether one is interested in the “genuine fakes” or the original pieces, Myatt’s paintings are historically rich, skillfully crafted, and shrouded in mystery.
Conclusion: John Myatt’s Enduring Appeal
The reason for John Myatt’s continued popularity is that he combines incredible skill with a powerful life narrative. His “genuine fakes” question the notions of art and originality, and his transformation from an infamous criminal to an artist with a second chance is fascinating. Myatt is still a popular and important artist in the contemporary art scene.
For more information and to buy John Myatt paintings, contact St. Paul’s Gallery. Famous for its selection, the gallery presents original and limited edition works by Myatt.
