Fake or Fortune? Season 2 Episode 1 Degas and the Little Dancer

In the first episode of season 2 of Fake or Fortune, titled "Degas and the Little Dancer," the team is investigating a small sculpture of a ballerina made by French artist Edgar Degas. The sculpture is believed to be one of only a few castings of the original wax sculpture that Degas created for a larger work that was exhibited in Paris in 1881.

The owner of the sculpture, a retired doctor from Kentucky named Terry, inherited it from his mother who had bought it at auction in New York in the 1950s. Terry is hoping to sell the sculpture at auction, but he wants to make sure it's genuine first.

The team starts by researching the history of the sculpture, which leads them to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. There, they examine a similar Degas sculpture of a ballet dancer and learn more about the techniques he used to create them. They also look into the provenance of the sculpture, tracing its path from Degas to its current owner.

As they investigate, the team encounters a number of challenges. For one thing, the technique Degas used to create the sculptures involves wax that is extremely delicate and is easily damaged over time. Additionally, the sculpture has been been restored and repaired multiple times over the years, so it's difficult to determine whether any parts of it are original.

The team employs a variety of methods to uncover the sculpture's authenticity, including x-rays, spectroscopic analysis, and examination of the sculpture's bases. They also consult with experts in Degas' work to get a better understanding of his techniques and materials.

Ultimately, the team must come to a decision about the sculpture's authenticity and value. If it's genuine, it could be worth millions of dollars at auction—but if it's a fake, it's essentially worthless. The tension is high as the team delivers their verdict to the nervous owner.

Overall, "Degas and the Little Dancer" is a fascinating look at the world of art authentication, as well as a deep dive into the life and work of one of the world's most famous artists. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, it's a gripping episode that's sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.