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Quote by Wolfgang Beltracchi

“I never decided to become an art forger. I was aware of my talent at an early age, and I used it foolishly. This developed over the years. In my heart, I don't see myself as a criminal.”

Author

Wolfgang Beltracchi

Wolfgang Beltracchi is a German artist known for his forgeries of classical paintings. Born on February 4, 1951, he began forging classical works in the 1980s and became a mystery in the art world. His forgeries were highly valued in the art market, but were later revealed to be fakes. more

“Fame never interested me. I could have exhibited more of my own works in the 1970s, but I didn't want to. It's sort of like being a child. When you're finished with school, you have only one thing on your mind: to get out and experience life. Did I want to spend all my time working on a painting? No, I wanted to have fun, travel, meet women and live life.”

Want Mind Children Wanted School Fun My Own One Thing Painting Fame Finished Live Life Having Fun My Time

Author:Wolfgang Beltracchi

“I think that the most important requirement is to capture the essence of a piece of art. You look at it, essentially absorb it, and you have to be able to understand it visually without having to think about how it was done. I was already able to do that as a child.”

Thinking Looks Children Art Important Done Able Pieces Essence Capture Requirements

Author:Wolfgang Beltracchi

“The interesting thing is that in everyday life, I fail to see the most ordinary things. I often stumble and sometimes I even fall over. But when I draw or look at a painting, I go into a sort of overdrive and just see things differently than other people.”

People Looks Sometimes Fall Interesting Failing Painting Draws Ordinary Everyday Everyday Life Interesting Things Ordinary Things Overdrive

Author:Wolfgang Beltracchi

“I once went to a demonstration in Aachen against fare increases on public transport. A police officer pulled out a bunch of my hair, and there were a lot of violent beatings. That's when I thought to myself: You'd better leave it alone.”

Hair Increase Police Violent Bunch Officers Demonstration Transport Police Officer

Author:Wolfgang Beltracchi