Pol Georghiou: The Master of Cypriot Art and the Rising Challenge of Forgeries.

Athens, 24/10/2024

The Life and Legacy of Pol Georghiou

Pol Georghiou (1901–1972) is celebrated as one of Cyprus' most influential and valuable artists. Born in Famagusta, he studied law in London but ultimately pursued an art career, becoming a self-taught painter with a distinct and evocative style. His work is characterized by elongated figures, Byzantine-inspired compositions, and a deep-rooted connection to Cypriot life and culture.

Upon returning to Cyprus in 1933, Georghiou initially engaged in his family's business before fully dedicating himself to painting at 40. His work was internationally recognized, with exhibitions in prestigious venues such as the Lefevre Gallery in London, Bernheim-Jeune in Paris, and the National Museum Bezalel in Jerusalem. His paintings, which depicted Cypriot landscapes, daily life, and historical events, have since become some of the most sought-after pieces in the Cypriot art market.

Georghiou’s Influence on the Cypriot Art Market

Pol Georghiou is arguably the most expensive and highly regarded Cypriot artist. His paintings consistently fetch record-breaking prices at auctions. One of his works, "Quartier Reserve" (1953), sold for €100,000 at a Cypriot auction in 2023, doubling its previous sale price. Another, "Phantom Church," was sold for €40,355 at a Cypriot Auction House in 2014. These sales underscore the strong demand and appreciation for his work in local and international markets.

His artistic legacy has solidified him as a cornerstone of Cypriot cultural heritage, and his paintings continue to be featured in prominent collections such as the A.G. Leventis Gallery. However, with great market value comes a significant challenge—counterfeiting.

The Growing Issue of Forgeries in the Cypriot Art Market

As an art expert, I was invited by the Cypriot authorities to conduct forensic examinations on disputed works attributed to Pol Georghiou. Through these investigations, I encountered at least six to seven counterfeit works that had been acquired by unsuspecting buyers. In every case, the owners believed their purchases to be original, having acquired them either directly from private collections or indirectly from auction houses and galleries.

A sample study of ten disputed works revealed a startling pattern:

• Three forgeries originated from the structured art market, meaning they had passed through legitimate auction houses or galleries.
• Seven forgeries were acquired directly from private sellers, often as part of inheritance or through informal transactions.

This distribution suggests that while the formal market is not immune to the issue, the private resale market presents a greater risk for unsuspecting buyers.

In some cases, sellers may have knowingly placed forgeries on the market. However, in other instances, the sellers had inherited the paintings from family members or acquired them without realizing their lack of authenticity.

Techniques Used in Counterfeiting Georghiou’s Works

The challenge with detecting Georghiou's forgeries lies in the fact that his works are not particularly difficult to imitate. Many counterfeits have been executed on mediums similar to those the artist used, with artificial aging techniques applied to give them a sense of authenticity. Methods such as painting over old materials, heating canvases to create cracks, and applying dirt to simulate age have all been observed in fraudulent pieces.

A more sophisticated form of forgery has also emerged: works created by individuals who were either unofficial students of Georghiou or artists familiar with his style. Some of these paintings were executed during the same period as Georghiou’s later works, making authentication even more complex. This raises an intriguing question: Were these artists mere imitators, or were they individuals who had direct access to the artist’s techniques and materials?

Legal and Financial Repercussions

Thanks to my forensic expertise and the diligent efforts of Cypriot authorities, several buyers who had unknowingly purchased forgeries were able to reclaim their money. In a few cases, the issue was escalated to Cypriot courts, reinforcing the importance of due diligence when acquiring high-value artworks.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Georghiou’s Legacy

Pol Georghiou’s legacy as Cyprus' most celebrated artist is both a source of national pride and a target for counterfeiters. His high market value has made his works particularly vulnerable to forgery, posing challenges for collectors and art professionals alike. While the art market remains a space for cultural appreciation and investment, buyers need to exercise caution, seek expert verification, and remain vigilant against fraudulent practices.

As the demand for Georghiou’s paintings continues to grow, so too does the need for meticulous authentication methods to preserve the integrity of his work and ensure that his artistic legacy remains untarnished.

Achilleas Tsantilis
Art Expert, Greek Court of Justice
President, Hellenic Association of Art Experts

Tsantilis Art | Est. 1925
Gallery & Official Art Experts of the Greek State

📍 5 Sekeri St., Kolonaki, Athens, Greece
📞 +30 210 360 5337
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.artmodern.gr

 

Back to Art Stories - Blog