The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-14

FRAUDS or PICTURE DEAIERs.-A vast num-
Der of French and German paintings, bearing
the names of eminent modern masters, have
been within the last few years imported into
this market. So many of these were reproduc-
tions Of the came subject, by the one hand, that
although bearing the signature of the painter,
and offering all the usual evidences of authenti-
city, doubts were created as to their genuine
ness. Even to the uninitiated it appeared sim
gular that artists of eminence should multiply
works which in most cases were mere tabledur
de geure, and scarcely important enough as Gre
ations to justify duplication. Still they were
in general so carefully executed and 80 conf
IDENTITY vouched for by the dealers who sold
them that many of them passed at high prices
into private collections. Early this spring there
was offered for sale as genuine duplicate of
Che Lisette of Beranger, by Hughes Merle, the
original Of which is in the possession of Mr.. As
pinwalL Although guaranteed and bearing the
signature Of the painter, suspicious were excited
that it was spurious copy, and steps were ia
ken to ascertain the fact by a reference to the
artist We subjoin translation of M. Merle's
reply, the original of which is lying before US
certify that my picture, the Lsette Of Beranger sold
by N. Durand Tue TO Mr. Aspinwa Of New York, is the
original one. have made OF this subject but single
copy, with alterations and this is in the collection OF NJ
Korkorer Of Moscow Any reproduction Of Is for
gerry = copy HUGHES MERLE,
Paris July G, 1860 26 Rue de Fleurus.
Amongst the other foreign artists whose popu-
larity amongst us has been made similar un-
fair use of was M. Edouard Frere. 1t was no
uncommon thing to find in our market at the
same time two or three copies of one Of his
successful subjects, with his signature afixed.
Still, these were so carefully executed that
even competent judges were afraid to pro-
uounce positively as to their being forgeries
To set at rest the doubts which existed on the
subject, M. Frere was written to. We translate
GRAxpE ReE DrKppx, July 8, 1890
DRAR sia-Eleven years ago made copies Of three Of
his possession. With the exception OF these have
reproduced any Of my compositions Ed FRERE
These DOCUMENTS WILL we trust, have the eff
feet Of placing picture buyers on their guard.
Those who expend money in this way should
lay down two rules for their security:
first, never to buy paintings Of price from deal
ers who have doubtful reputation; and, Sc
oondly never to purchase them under the ham
mer without the auctioneers guarantee.
disregard of theee precautions has, to our
knowledge, cost several parties dearly. One
gentleman few months since bought for the
moderate sum of sixteen hundred dollars Meis-
sounier, of the authorship of which that artist
was entirely innocent. Another became the
fortunate poesessor of a Plassan, which he
would be happy to part with at the present mo-
ment for tenth of the price that he paid for
Il. II is necessary for the security Of the pub
lie that these facts should be made known. 1t
is seldom that the victims themselves will stir
in the matter. They in general prefer to put
up with the loss Of their money TO being
laughed at for their shallow connoisseurship.