Provenance

by Frank McDonald

Provenance is a fascinating adventure through the international art world, a world where artists and collectors hide behind masterpieces, and sell their souls to the highest bidder. A New York Times bestseller and sold in twelve international editions, Provenance – based on true events – tells the story of massive Nazi art looting of valuable paintings during World War II. From the elegance of Sotheby Park Bernet auctions to the decadence of Parisian nightlife, art detective Alex Drach moves through a gallery of glamorous and sinister characters on his search for stolen paintings -- a search that will lead to the dark catacombs of Rome, back to one of the most shameful secrets of World War II, and the horrifying key to his own elusive past.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Art, Historical Fiction

634 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nazis and art theft. Sounds like a great combination, right? I wanted this book to be everything the cover and synopsis promised, but it fell short for me. There were an excessive amount of characters that would pop up for only a few pages which caused some confusion. Plus the writing came off a bit too smart for its own good, causing the momentum to see-saw between plodding and slightly thrilling.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A close look at an art forgery case from the 1990's--how they did it and how they were caught. Interesting and engaging.

[Robert Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story marred by superfluous characters, gratuitous scenes, and painfully exhaustive passages of description. Could have easiiy been edited down by 100 pages and been a great book.

[Elia Lo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 se si potesse, a mio parere scritto molto bene, intrigante. Si perde un po' sul finale quando chiude le varie story line in modo troppo sbrigativo.

[Charlotte Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Art world nothing is what it seems. Unbelievable story of how the "con" is very much a part of million dollar paintings. If you don't believe that seasoned art lovers would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for rare, very famous paintings, that were painted on cheap canvas with a mixture of housepaint and vaseline, then you will after you read this story.

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look into the scams and forgeries of the art world, and a particular sociopath who was highly successful at passing fakes. Many of the faked art pieces remain in reputable museums... Thought provoking about the value of art.

[Cws]

F McD

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by the guile and chutzpah of John Drewe and what he got away with for so long. It also makes you question, what is true art?

[Damian Garcia gonzalez]

a very good story with an entreteiment history knowledge

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book -- had to believe it is really true. Enjoyed it!!!!!

[Anne M Bray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure Pulp Fiction set in 1970s with flashbacks to WWII. Perfect beach or plane reading.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and exciting

An excellent read that provides a glimpse into the art trade. A few good plot twists and exciting climax rounds off a good read.

[Bent Andreassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 minus. A good thrilling novel. Read in Norwegian.