The Connecticut Society

 of Portrait Artists


Log in

The Norman Rockwell Mystery

  • 02 Feb 2019
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Greenwich Arts Council Meeting Room, 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich CT

Registration is closed


The Norman Rockwell Mystery - Register Here!

Click "Register" tab inside the blue box top left to reserve your seat.

Unmasking One of the Great Capers in the History of Art Deception

Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 2-3 Presidential Portraitist John Howard Sanden will deliver a special presentation at the Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Avenue This fully illustrated slideshow tells of a unique episode in the lively history of American illustration art — a venture into deception that, for its sheer success, may be without parallel in all of art history. The story involves a masterpiece by America’s favorite artist — the beloved illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894–1978) — and a painted replica of Rockwell’s great picture that, for a period of three years, completely fooled the museum experts, the publishers of scholarly journals, and the famous artist’s devoted public. 

The triumphant success of the hoax was almost total. Even the owners of the great painting, who had cherished it in their home for forty years, were unaware that, when they allowed the painting to be included in an important national exhibition, they were exhibiting a fraud. 

You will see John Sanden’s unique role in solving the mystery, watch as the great painting is finally found (after being hidden away for more than thirty years), and sold at Sotheby’s for fifteen million dollars.

Q&A follows with Mr. Sanden and special guest Don Trachte, son of the artist who painted the replica. Free admission, however pre-registration is required.

Click "Register" tab inside the blue box top left to reserve your seat.


The Greenwich Arts Council

 Meeting Room, February 2 from 2 -3 pm

299 Greenwich Avenue (2nd Floor), Greenwich CT





Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software