Con/Artist

The Life and Crimes of the World's Greatest Art Forger

By: Tony Tetro, Giampiero Ambrosi

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone, Tony Tetro, Giampiero Ambrosi

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

The world’s most renowned art forger reveals the secrets behind his decades of painting like the masters—exposing an art world that is far more corrupt than we ever knew while providing an art history lesson wrapped in sex, drugs, and Caravaggio.

The art world is a much dirtier, nastier business than you might expect. Tony Tetro, one of the most renowned art forgers in history, will make you question every masterpiece you’ve ever seen in a museum, gallery, or private collection. Tetro’s “Rembrandts,” “Caravaggios,” “Miros,” and hundreds of other works now hang on walls around the globe. In 2019, it was revealed that Prince Charles received into his collection a Picasso, Dali, Monet, and Chagall, insuring them for over 200 million pounds, only to later discover that they’re actually “Tetros.” And the kicker? In Tony’s words: “Even if some tycoon finds out his Rembrandt is a fake, what’s he going to do, turn it in? Now his Rembrandt just became motel art. Better to keep quiet and pass it on to the next guy. It’s the way things work for guys like me.” The Prince Charles scandal is the subject of a forthcoming feature documentary with Academy Award nominee Kief Davidson and coauthor Giampiero Ambrosi, in cooperation with Tetro.

Throughout Tetro’s career, his inimitable talent has been coupled with a reckless penchant for drugs, fast cars, and sleeping with other con artists. He was busted in 1989 and spent four years in court and one in prison. His voice—rough, wry, deeply authentic—is nothing like the high society he swanned around in, driving his Lamborghini or Ferrari, hobnobbing with aristocrats by day, and diving into debauchery when the lights went out. He’s a former furniture store clerk who can walk around in Caravaggio’s shoes, become Picasso or Monet, with an encyclopedic understanding of their paint, their canvases, their vision. For years, he hid it all in an unassuming California townhouse with a secret art room behind a full-length mirror. (Press #* on his phone and the mirror pops open.) Pairing up with coauthor Ambrosi, one of the investigative journalists who uncovered the 2019 scandal, Tetro unveils the art world in an epic, alluring, at times unbelievable, but all-true narrative.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Tony Tetro and Giampiero Ambrosi (P)2022 Hachette Books

Outstanding!

An intriguing story! Obviously, Tony Tetro is a talented man! I enjoyed hearing about his artistic path in life. I’ve already told several (artist) friends to read/listen to it. I loved this book!

Couldn't put it down

An exciting read and very honest biography. I love art and visiting museums. I know virtually nothing about painting but, when I see a Rembrandt, I'm awe struck. I couldn't tell you why. Tony Tetro explains why in this book. So, you'll learn some things about art in a very entertaining way.

Phenomenal Story About the Corrupt Art World and more…

Tony Tetro is an artist who loves art and while he may have forged and cross a line one shouldn’t — his tale reveals the limits avarice and the contemptuous will go to derogate art, exploit anyone and anything and luxuriate in the unregulated excesses of capitalism. The art world attracts as many sleazy and soulless people as gun running, drug dealing, and stock trading. A phenomenal book, well written; the text is well performed and compelling. Thank you!

Surprisingly good, a fantastic introduction to art

This book is about the life of a modern master forger, an interesting story in itself, as it is very well written and well read.
However, the pleasant surprise for me is the forger's absolutely authentic love of art, especially the old masters. His vast knowledge of their work, and his enthusiasm about their specific paintings kept me turning to Google.
I learned about old masters - their life and their talent - and specific paintings and sculptures.
It is not written by an art critic or historian, so all the knowledge is very accessible.
This book made me want to travel to Rome to see these master pieces for myself.

A fun fast read

Enjoyable. This story never gets bogged down. great reader too! Read it in a day.

A must listen for all artists

Such a great book. Loved his passion for art and how he learned how to paint. Liked it even better that he didn't rat on his friends. I wonder if the CA Prosecutors will ever be taken to court for all the paintings they stole.

Very interesting story

This is a world I know nothing about. I learned slot and enjoyed the ride!

Very intriguing!

What a brilliant art forgery! The detail he took in replicated masters was very impressive. He was so talented I wonder if he just painted his own work how successful he would have been. A very interesting book that was educational and captivating.

Both Entertaining and Interesting

The story kept my interest and I thought the reader did a great job. I also learned a lot about art and the art market that I didn't know.

fun and interesting

I enjoyed this book. it was fun to enter Tony's world, and I enjoyed the lighthearted tone of the book and the self deprecating honesty about his trials and mistakes in life. it was fun learning about the research and skill necessary.