Forged Ernst Neizvestny sculptures may have entered Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery

On 29 May, Russia's Investigative Committee exposed a forgery ring producing counterfeit works similar to those of renowned Soviet-American sculptor Ernst Neizvestny. The only named suspect is naval officer Maksim Kosharev. During a search at Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery, investigators sought evidence that some forged pieces may have been displayed there.

Russia's Investigative Committee announced on 29 May details of an organized forgery ring specializing in reproducing works by renowned Soviet-American sculptor Ernst Neizvestny. The scandal has reached the heart of Moscow's art world, with a search conducted at the Tretyakov Gallery, where it is suspected that forged works may have been on display at the museum.

Who is the suspect?

The only publicly named suspect is naval officer Maksim Kosharev. More specific details about the composition and scope of the ring's activities remain unclear. Both the analysis by Art Newspaper Russia art expert Sofia Bagdasarova and reporting by the BBC Russian Service, whose investigative journalists Svetlana Reiter and colleagues covered the case, highlight that the story is extremely complex and contradictory.

Scandal at the heart of the Tretyakov Gallery

The situation is made particularly delicate by the fact that investigators conducted a search at one of Russia's most prestigious art institutions, Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery. The questions raised by the investigation are serious: were forged works publicly displayed at the renowned gallery, and for how long? Some sources claim that pieces on display were obviously forged, while others dispute this.

Art world faces questions

Ernst Neizvestny (1925-2016) was one of the 20th century's most renowned Russian-born sculptors, who emigrated to the West in 1976 and lived for many years in America. His works are valued both in Russia and on the international art market, making them an attractive target for forgers. The case raises broader questions about the risks facing Russia's art market and the responsibility of galleries to verify the authenticity of works.