[Oztrich Boy]

Is it too much to hope that they are genuine van Meegerens?

[Republicanprofessor]

Rembrandt's paintings may have the most fakes of any artist. There was a group of Rembrandt specialists a few years ago who spent a decade examining many Rembrandts in some of the most famous collections world-wide, determining many of them not to be originals. Thus my interest in this article.

I could not find any images from this particular municipal museum in Faro, Portugal, but I'm not surprised that fakes were discovered in this small museum. They may have been sold by a wiley dealer to a collector who later donated them to the museum.

But Rembrandt is famous for his introspection in the series of self-portraits through his life. Now, this first one looks unusual to me because his face is in the dark (it is usually lit against a dark background). The strands of hair also look odd. So I thought it might be a fake; but I guess I don't know as much as I thought. It seems to be posted as a real self-portrait on a reliable website. I think you really have to see them in person to know for sure.

[satchmodog9]

I guess they can chalk it up to bad intel.

[Echo Talon]

Keep them displayed just mark them, im sure they are not lacking for space. Probably still good pieces even if they are fakes.

[Always Right]

The odd thing about art is, all the experts probably raved about what a great work of art these pieces are, but now that they are not real, they are total junk. Same pieces of work, just done by someone else.

[verity]

Mark Twain: "I'm glad the old masters are all dead, and I only wish they had died sooner."

[N. Theknow]

The signature "Billy Bob Rembrandt" was a dead give away?

[Clemenza]

My favorite Rembrandt:

Why is it that I suddenly have the urge to smoke a cigar?

[FourPeas]

The 112-year-old museum plans to put the "fake" self-portrait back on display in July to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth.

I understand the intent (I think), but there's something so wrong about displaying fake works to celebrate Rembrandt's birthday.