Fake or Fortune? Season 1 Episode 3 Van Meegeren

In Fake or Fortune season 1 episode 3 titled Van Meegeren, the team investigates a painting that may be a long-lost treasure worth millions of dollars. The painting in question is believed to be a work by the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, who is known for his beautiful and intricate paintings of everyday life in the 17th century. However, there are doubts about its authenticity, and the team must use all their expertise to solve the mystery of whether it is a genuine Vermeer or a fake.

The painting was submitted to the show by Jan van den Brink, a Dutch art collector who had bought it at an auction in Amsterdam over 20 years ago. He was convinced that it was a Vermeer and had even had it authenticated by several experts in the field. However, when he tried to sell it at a later date, he was met with skepticism from potential buyers who claimed that it was a forgery.

The team consists of art dealer Philip Mould, art history professor Bendor Grosvenor, and forensic scientist Dr. Aviva Burnstock. They begin their investigation by examining the painting up close and looking for any clues that might indicate its authenticity. They also delve into the history of the painting, trying to trace its origins and ownership over the years.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the painting is that it bears the signature of Han van Meegeren, a notorious forger who was active in the Netherlands during World War II. Van Meegeren had become infamous for his ability to create fake Old Master paintings that were so convincing, many experts believed that they were genuine. He had even sold one of his forgeries to Hermann Göring, one of the top Nazi officials, for a large sum of money.

The team begins to wonder if this painting could be one of van Meegeren's forgeries. To test their theory, they travel to the Netherlands to meet with experts who specialize in his work. They examine other van Meegeren paintings and compare them to the one in question, looking for similarities and differences.

As they continue to investigate, the team is met with a number of obstacles and setbacks. Some experts are more convinced than ever that the painting is genuine, while others remain skeptical. The team must use all their expertise and knowledge to piece together the puzzle and come to a final conclusion.

Overall, Van Meegeren is a fascinating look at the world of art forgery and the lengths that some people will go to in order to create convincing fakes. The team's investigation is engaging and suspenseful, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal. Whether you are an art lover or just looking for an interesting and well-crafted documentary, Fake or Fortune season 1 episode 3 is definitely worth watching.