An American Folk Art Scandal

Amidst the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River and the sound of jazz musicians playing, New Orleans is also the site of the art world’s newest art scandal. A husband and wife team of art forgers has been involved with a New Orleans art dealer. The group, according to reports, was involved in participating in mail fraud associated with producing and selling fake arts of work. The pieces in question were mostly paintings by famous American folk artist, Clementine Hunter. According to reports, one of the accused named William Toye, 79, of Baton Rouge, LA pled guilty on June 9, 2011 and could be sentenced to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The colorful and cheerful works of Clementine Hunter have a straightforward cultural and aesthetic appeal. The cook turned artist has become well known in folk art circles since the 1960s. Hunter was a cook on a southern plantation and was the granddaughter of a slave. She taught herself to paint in the late 1930s and her works, like those of William H. Johnson and other fabulous American painters, have become synonymous with the primitive style of American art which captures the bold energy of American folk painting. Hunter painted scenes with figures, both young and old, doing plantation chores and field work. In Hunter’s compositions, people are shown riding wagons, picking cotton, attending baptisms and funerals, and participating in other aspects of plantation life. Clementine Hunter died at age 101 in 1988.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Hunter personally sold some of her paintings from her home/studio outside of Natchitoches, Louisiana. These works, typically oil on board, were available for as little as 25 cents to $1 each in the early days of her growing artistic fame. Characteristic and authentic Hunter paintings sell today in the $7,000 to $15,000 range. Some have been on display in folk art exhibitions at universities and museums nationwide.

Many people believe that American folk art and primitive paintings are easy to forge however those with a trained eye can see the details and identify a fake a mile away. I have appraised pieces of American folk art including paintings and sculpture. Clementine Hunter and artists of her circle have produced pieces that are now highly desirable with collectors. Those lucky collectors who made a small investment buying Hunter paintings back in the 1950s thru the 1970s are reaping the benefits of their sharp eye now.

With my experience tracing the art and antiques markets and reporting on trends, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a spike in the market for authentic Clementine Hunter paintings and other examples of fine American folk art following this New Orleans art scandal.

Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, nationally syndicated columnist, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and antiques themed cruises. As seen on NBC’s The Tonight Show and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, watch Dr. Lori on Lifetime Television. Visit Dr. Lori at www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010. Follow Dr. Lori at www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori or on www.Twitter.com/DrLoriV.