Norval Morrisseau, Observations of the Astral World (c. 1994), acrylic on canvas, 236 x 514 cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
By Victoria Cook
Art forgery occupies a unique place in cultural history. Dating back to antiquity, many have gained infamy both as victims of forgery and as forgers themselves. Once in circulation, counterfeit works have been notoriously difficult to discern.[1] Yet, few operations rival the scale and duration of the scheme that targeted the work of Canadian Anishnaabe artist Norval Morrisseau.
For more than two decades thousands of counterfeit works attributed to Morrisseau entered galleries, auctions and private collections across Canada.[2] By the time that authorities intervened to apprehend those responsible, the production of counterfeits had spiraled out of control, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine works. Some estimates suggest that the number of forged works rivals or exceeds the number of originals in circulation.[3]
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