“We are unaware of how many other paintings Sohrab may have done,” he said.
Sepehri (mostly known by his first name Sohrab) was born in Kashan, Isfahan Province on October 7, 1928 and died on April 21, 1980.
He was a notable modern Iranian painter and poet who wrote in blank verse style. He is regarded as one of the most famous modern Iranian poets.
Shishegaran, who is quite familiar with the type of works done by Sohrab, went on to say, “I believe Sohrab’s sister, Parvaneh is right in claiming that her brother’s signature has been forged. I noticed Sohrab’s artwork and his signature on them at auctions in other countries where I was taking part with my own works. The artworks seemed strange to me and were different from Sohrab’s paintings and his usual style. I discussed the issue with several other artists and they had the same feelings.”
Parvaneh Sepehri, Sohrab’s sister recently claimed that some of his brother’s drawings were sold and published under a false signature.
“I thought perhaps his family members had some of his works copied. I am familiar with Sohrab’s works and am like a goldsmith who can easily distinguish real gold from fool’s gold,” he remarked.
Shishegaran explained that some of the signatures were copied inexpertly, “Sohrab’s signatures were firm and elegant.”
He further added that duplicating artwork and signatures not only occurs with Sohrab and his works, but also with other artists as well. “Sometimes, gallery owners call me and ask if I had a certain painting with such and such description brought to the gallery for sale. I am always surprised when I hear this and say no.”
RM/YAW
END
MNA