Icilio Federico Joni (1866 - 1946)

Icilio Federico Joni

Icilio Federico Joni was an Italian artist known for his exceptional talent in producing forgeries, particularly of Quattrocento paintings. Born in Siena in 1866, Joni's career in art forgery began in a gilding shop, where he honed his skills with wood, plaster, and paint. His forgeries were so convincing that they made their way into renowned collections and questioned the boundaries between counterfeit and creative artistry.

Icilio Federico Joni's works include not only paintings but also forged book covers, imitating the historic Biccherne covers from Siena. His creations, like the Madonna with Child, Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint Sebastian, showcase his profound ability to adopt and adapt the styles of historic Sienese painters like Neroccio di Bartolomeo and Matteo di Giovanni, infusing them with his own interpretations and variations.

Despite the initial secrecy surrounding his forgeries, Icilio Federico Joni's desire for recognition led him to openly discuss his deceptions in his autobiography. His techniques in aging his creations were so meticulous that they often confused even expert art historians, adding a layer of complexity to the debate over his legacy as either a master forger or a creative genius in his own right.

Joni's story is not just a tale of deception but also a commentary on the art market's vulnerabilities and the thin lines between imitation, inspiration, and fraud. For art collectors and experts, his life and works serve as a fascinating study in the dynamics of authenticity and value in the art world​​​​​​.

For those intrigued by the enigmatic world of art forgeries and the exceptional craftsmanship of Icilio Federico Joni, we invite you to sign up for updates. By subscribing, you'll receive notifications about new discoveries, exhibitions, sales, and auction events related to Joni's works and the fascinating realm of art history. Stay informed and delve deeper into the intriguing stories of art and authenticity.