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Art Expert Accused of Duping Prince and Palace of Versailles Stands Trial
A connoisseur of 18th-century French furniture fooled buyers into purchasing chairs with fake royal pedigrees, authorities say. The distinct taste of licorice helped give him away.
Bill Pallot had an unparalleled passion for 18th-century French chairs that he turned into a lucrative career consulting with museums, galleries, collectors and the Palace of Versailles.
He became a fixture in Parisian society and a celebrity in the art world, until he was felled by a former student who had become so steeped in antiques that he could — literally — taste a fake.
At the height of his powers, Mr. Pallot’s expertise and assurances of authenticity had helped convince French experts to designate multiple items as national treasures. He also used his renown to dupe deep-pocketed buyers, including Prince Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani of Qatar, into believing they were purchasing genuine pieces of royal history.
He attested to the authenticity of seating said to have belonged to Marie Antoinette and to the mistress of Louis XV, Madame du Barry.
People believed so fully in Mr. Pallot because almost 40 years ago he wrote what was long considered the book on the topic: “The Art of the Chair in 18th Century France,” which includes a preface by his friend, the antique enthusiast and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Now, Mr. Pallot is perhaps best known for using his knowledge of art history to hoodwink some of the most esteemed antique experts and buyers.
