Fakes and forgeries

Fakes and forgeries have puzzled art collectors for many years. It might seem odd – perhaps even unethical – to store forgeries in museums, but they do offer insights into the art of creating convincing imitations as well as intriguing histories of deception and detection.

Included here are works by sculptor Giovanni Bastianini made in the 19th century. His technical skill at producing copies of sculptures from the 16th century led Florentine antique dealer Giovanni Freppa to sell them as originals. The V&A decided to acquire his ‘fakes’ as works of art.

Written by: Miri Ahn, Curatorial Coordinator at V&A East
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
905-1900
Title/Description
Bust
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni
Location
Florence
Date
1900
Materials/Techniques
Terracotta, Gilding, Painting (image-making)
Object information
Museum Number
7585-1861
Title/Description
Bust of an Unknown Woman (often referred to as St Cecilia)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Location
Italy
Date
ca. 1850 - 1858
Materials/Techniques
Terracotta, Modelling
Object information
Museum Number
A.19-1924
Title/Description
Marsilio Ficini
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni
Location
Italy
Date
19th century
Materials/Techniques
Terracotta, Firing
Object information
Museum Number
8714-1863
Title/Description
A young man
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni
Location
Florence
Date
middle of the 19th century
Materials/Techniques
Terracotta, Modelling
Object information
Museum Number
31-1896
Title/Description
Girolamo Savonarola
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni
Location
Florence
Date
1863
Materials/Techniques
Terracotta, Paint, Modelled
Object information
Museum Number
38-1869
Title/Description
Lucrezia Donati
Artist/Maker
Bastianini, Giovanni
Location
Florence
Date
ca. 1865
Materials/Techniques
Marble, Carved
Object information