They called Abraham Bredius 'The Pope', a nickname that poked fun at his self-importance while acknowledging his authority. Bredius was the world's leading scholar of the mysterious Dutch master, Johannes Vermeer.
1/
1/
When Bredius was younger, he’d made his name by spotting works wrongly attributed to Vermeer. Now, at the age of 82, he had just published a highly respected book and was enjoying a retirement swan song in Monaco.
2/
2/
It was at this moment, in 1937, that Gerard Boon paid a visit to his villa. Boon, a former Dutch MP, came to Bredius on behalf of dissidents in Mussolini’s Italy. They needed to raise money to fund their escape to the US. Tthey had something which might be of value.
3/
3/
Boon unpacked the crate he had brought out of Italy. Inside it was a large canvas, still on its 17th-century wooden stretcher. The picture depicted Christ at Emmaus, and in the top left-hand corner was the magical signature: IV Meer. Johannes Vermeer himself!
4/
4/
The old man was spellbound. He delivered his verdict: “Christ at Emmaus” was not only a Vermeer, it was the Dutch master’s finest work.
5/
5/
He penned an article announcing the discovery: “We have here — I am inclined to say — the masterpiece of Johannes Vermeer of Delft. Quite different from all his other paintings and yet every inch a Vermeer.”
6/
6/
He added, “When this masterpiece was shown to me, I had difficulty controlling my emotions.”
That was precisely the problem.
7/
That was precisely the problem.
7/
My @FTMag cover story is about Abraham Bredius - and how a true expert ended up fooling himself. More importantly, it's about how and when we ALL fool ourselves - about politics, about data, about life - when our emotions take over.
8/
8/
It's online here: ft.com/content/13f627…
9/
9/
I also discuss the story at length in my new book, "The Data Detective" / "How To Make the World Add Up". Enjoy!
timharford.com/books/datadete…
10/
timharford.com/books/datadete…
10/
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
