Join us for a lecture with author Thomas H. Keels as he examines how wealthy people use art to signify their status. European master’s works were often faked due to scarcity as people rushed to acquire them for their private collections. By the time the Foerderer family of Philadelphia bought the highly suspect Kimball collection of “Old Masters” in the 1890s, the American art market was flooded with adulterations and fakes. Even with modern science, fakes and scamming in the art market still happen today.

Thomas H. Keels Tom is a lecturer, writer, and commentator specializing in Philadelphia history and architecture. He authored or co-authored seven books and has appeared in many documentaries. Keels has also been a tour guide at Laurel Hill Cemetery for nearly two decades. Visit Tom's website.