# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:00,761 00:00:02,352 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:02,361 00:00:05,152 Mastrelli: This face turned an all but forgotten woman Mastrelli: This face turned an all but forgotten woman
3 00:00:05,161 00:00:06,839 Into a global icon. Into a global icon.
4 00:00:08,121 00:00:13,119 She is nefertiti, revolutionary, queen of egypt. She is nefertiti, revolutionary, queen of egypt.
5 00:00:14,361 00:00:18,279 But what if her modern reputation is built on a lie? But what if her modern reputation is built on a lie?
6 00:00:20,274 00:00:24,719 Could the nefertiti bust be a stunning, sensational fake? Could the nefertiti bust be a stunning, sensational fake?
7 00:00:27,481 00:00:31,392 For centuries the mysteries of the past For centuries the mysteries of the past
8 00:00:31,401 00:00:34,279 Have kept their secrets, Have kept their secrets,
9 00:00:34,354 00:00:39,319 But there are clues cast in gold, etched in stone, But there are clues cast in gold, etched in stone,
10 00:00:40,921 00:00:44,039 Written in blood. (yelling) Written in blood. (yelling)
11 00:00:45,961 00:00:48,159 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
12 00:01:05,954 00:01:08,999 Along with the pyramids, the face of tutankhamen, Along with the pyramids, the face of tutankhamen,
13 00:01:11,234 00:01:14,832 And the sphinx, the head of nefertiti, And the sphinx, the head of nefertiti,
14 00:01:14,841 00:01:17,232 Resplendent in its blue crown, Resplendent in its blue crown,
15 00:01:17,241 00:01:19,799 Is one of egypt's defining symbols. Is one of egypt's defining symbols.
16 00:01:21,314 00:01:22,919 This is the hope diamond. This is the hope diamond.
17 00:01:23,954 00:01:27,559 At 45.52 carats, it's some serious bling. At 45.52 carats, it's some serious bling.
18 00:01:29,481 00:01:32,199 Except it's not, it's a fake. Except it's not, it's a fake.
19 00:01:32,274 00:01:34,199 The real one is in the smithsonian. The real one is in the smithsonian.
20 00:01:34,274 00:01:37,479 These white gloves make it seem pretty authentic though. These white gloves make it seem pretty authentic though.
21 00:01:37,554 00:01:39,319 And if you were tricked, And if you were tricked,
22 00:01:39,394 00:01:41,399 It certainly wouldn't be the first time someone misjudged It certainly wouldn't be the first time someone misjudged
23 00:01:41,474 00:01:44,119 A seemingly priceless artifact. A seemingly priceless artifact.
24 00:01:44,194 00:01:45,719 Back in the 20th century, Back in the 20th century,
25 00:01:45,794 00:01:48,352 The appetite for exotic antiques enabled a market The appetite for exotic antiques enabled a market
26 00:01:48,361 00:01:49,959 Where even the smartest experts Where even the smartest experts
27 00:01:50,034 00:01:53,119 And finest museums weren't immune to being duped. And finest museums weren't immune to being duped.
28 00:01:54,041 00:01:55,399 Is that what happened when curators, Is that what happened when curators,
29 00:01:55,474 00:01:57,072 Hungry for new discoveries, Hungry for new discoveries,
30 00:01:57,081 00:01:59,719 Came face to face with a forgotten egyptian queen? Came face to face with a forgotten egyptian queen?
31 00:02:01,714 00:02:05,519 Berlin, germany, the neues museum, Berlin, germany, the neues museum,
32 00:02:06,601 00:02:08,999 Where a single object stands alone. Where a single object stands alone.
33 00:02:11,161 00:02:14,319 It is the blue crowned bust of an egyptian queen. It is the blue crowned bust of an egyptian queen.
34 00:02:18,434 00:02:20,439 Carved from a block of limestone, Carved from a block of limestone,
35 00:02:21,474 00:02:25,199 Smoothed with plaster, richly painted, Smoothed with plaster, richly painted,
36 00:02:26,281 00:02:30,272 Its image has become one of the most recognizable on earth, Its image has become one of the most recognizable on earth,
37 00:02:30,281 00:02:32,719 Reproduced countless times. Reproduced countless times.
38 00:02:34,594 00:02:37,839 Wherever it's displayed it's big box office. Wherever it's displayed it's big box office.
39 00:02:38,994 00:02:40,279 Seyfried: We have between Seyfried: We have between
40 00:02:40,354 00:02:43,392 800,000 and one million visitors a year, 800,000 and one million visitors a year,
41 00:02:43,401 00:02:45,279 Looking at the famous bust. Looking at the famous bust.
42 00:02:47,314 00:02:50,679 The painted bust of nefertiti is really The painted bust of nefertiti is really
43 00:02:50,754 00:02:53,479 A masterpiece of egyptian art. A masterpiece of egyptian art.
44 00:02:54,601 00:02:56,439 Mastrelli: But it's more than that. Mastrelli: But it's more than that.
45 00:02:56,514 00:02:58,992 Without this bust, the name nefertiti Without this bust, the name nefertiti
46 00:02:59,001 00:03:00,999 Would be known only to scholars. Would be known only to scholars.
47 00:03:02,441 00:03:03,792 While tutankhamen is famous While tutankhamen is famous
48 00:03:03,801 00:03:06,592 Because his tomb was found intact, Because his tomb was found intact,
49 00:03:06,601 00:03:11,599 With nefertiti there is no tomb, no gold, no rich burial. With nefertiti there is no tomb, no gold, no rich burial.
50 00:03:13,314 00:03:15,552 The fact this sculpture has survived The fact this sculpture has survived
51 00:03:15,561 00:03:18,672 Is in and of itself a miracle. Is in and of itself a miracle.
52 00:03:18,681 00:03:20,999 So who was the real -life nefertiti? So who was the real -life nefertiti?
53 00:03:22,681 00:03:24,759 Nefertiti was the great royal wife Nefertiti was the great royal wife
54 00:03:24,834 00:03:26,719 Of controversial pharaoh akhenaten Of controversial pharaoh akhenaten
55 00:03:27,634 00:03:30,439 Who shook up egypt in the 14th century bce. Who shook up egypt in the 14th century bce.
56 00:03:31,961 00:03:35,712 For 17 years, he upended egyptian religious beliefs, For 17 years, he upended egyptian religious beliefs,
57 00:03:35,721 00:03:38,272 Abandoning the tradition of multiple gods Abandoning the tradition of multiple gods
58 00:03:38,281 00:03:42,239 To worship just one, the sun, or aten. To worship just one, the sun, or aten.
59 00:03:43,801 00:03:45,792 To mark this break with the past, To mark this break with the past,
60 00:03:45,801 00:03:47,959 He uprooted the royal centers of power He uprooted the royal centers of power
61 00:03:48,034 00:03:49,439 In memphis and thebes, In memphis and thebes,
62 00:03:50,354 00:03:53,439 Moving to a new capital in the desert, amarna. Moving to a new capital in the desert, amarna.
63 00:03:56,434 00:04:00,832 After 17 years on the throne, akhenaten died. After 17 years on the throne, akhenaten died.
64 00:04:00,841 00:04:03,872 There was nobody to uphold his revolution. There was nobody to uphold his revolution.
65 00:04:03,881 00:04:06,679 The people of egypt abandoned his religion The people of egypt abandoned his religion
66 00:04:06,754 00:04:08,599 And his capital city in the desert, And his capital city in the desert,
67 00:04:10,274 00:04:14,199 And akhenaten and nefertiti were branded as heretics. And akhenaten and nefertiti were branded as heretics.
68 00:04:15,561 00:04:18,119 Gangs were commissioned by the new royal court Gangs were commissioned by the new royal court
69 00:04:18,194 00:04:21,552 To seek out images of akhenaten and nefertiti To seek out images of akhenaten and nefertiti
70 00:04:21,561 00:04:25,679 And then destroy them, to erase them from history. And then destroy them, to erase them from history.
71 00:04:27,314 00:04:30,832 But on December 12th, 1912, while excavating But on December 12th, 1912, while excavating
72 00:04:30,841 00:04:33,079 In an area of ancient amarna, In an area of ancient amarna,
73 00:04:33,154 00:04:35,799 German archeologist ludwig borchardt German archeologist ludwig borchardt
74 00:04:35,874 00:04:38,119 Made a stunning discovery. Made a stunning discovery.
75 00:04:38,194 00:04:40,359 When the find was announced to the world, When the find was announced to the world,
76 00:04:40,434 00:04:43,079 It revived the memory of a queen, It revived the memory of a queen,
77 00:04:43,154 00:04:45,839 All but forgotten for 3000 years. All but forgotten for 3000 years.
78 00:04:46,834 00:04:48,599 This moment would define This moment would define
79 00:04:48,674 00:04:52,519 How both borchardt and nefertiti are remembered. How both borchardt and nefertiti are remembered.
80 00:04:52,594 00:04:54,352 (intriguing music) (intriguing music)
81 00:04:54,361 00:04:56,639 And this is where the modern story of nefertiti begins. And this is where the modern story of nefertiti begins.
82 00:04:57,961 00:04:59,632 There are many unanswered questions There are many unanswered questions
83 00:04:59,641 00:05:01,839 Since the discovery of the bust in 1912. Since the discovery of the bust in 1912.
84 00:05:04,921 00:05:06,719 Is this really what she looked like? Is this really what she looked like?
85 00:05:07,881 00:05:11,319 How could the bust have survived, almost pristine, How could the bust have survived, almost pristine,
86 00:05:11,394 00:05:13,279 For more than 3000 years? For more than 3000 years?
87 00:05:15,801 00:05:18,352 The paints are all made from materials commonly The paints are all made from materials commonly
88 00:05:18,361 00:05:20,359 Found in the desert landscape. Found in the desert landscape.
89 00:05:21,801 00:05:25,959 It's the fact they've endured that makes them so remarkable. It's the fact they've endured that makes them so remarkable.
90 00:05:26,034 00:05:30,992 Simon: There is no real parallel comparative object Simon: There is no real parallel comparative object
91 00:05:31,001 00:05:33,879 In that state of preservation, she's so unique. In that state of preservation, she's so unique.
92 00:05:35,481 00:05:37,232 Mastrelli: So what can modern science tell us Mastrelli: So what can modern science tell us
93 00:05:37,241 00:05:38,439 About this sculpture? About this sculpture?
94 00:05:39,561 00:05:44,559 A ct scan reveals a solid rock core, made from limestone, A ct scan reveals a solid rock core, made from limestone,
95 00:05:44,834 00:05:47,319 That is wrapped in layers of plaster material, That is wrapped in layers of plaster material,
96 00:05:47,394 00:05:51,239 Known as stucco, and it's the stucco that forms Known as stucco, and it's the stucco that forms
97 00:05:51,314 00:05:54,512 The more intricate features, like the ears. The more intricate features, like the ears.
98 00:05:54,521 00:05:57,639 This layering is very rare in egyptian art. This layering is very rare in egyptian art.
99 00:06:01,321 00:06:04,599 In her lifetime, nefertiti became the embodiment In her lifetime, nefertiti became the embodiment
100 00:06:04,674 00:06:08,112 Of beauty and 3000 years later, Of beauty and 3000 years later,
101 00:06:08,121 00:06:11,359 Thanks to the bust, the same thing happened again. Thanks to the bust, the same thing happened again.
102 00:06:13,394 00:06:17,232 But did the sculptor really carve a realistic portrait? But did the sculptor really carve a realistic portrait?
103 00:06:17,241 00:06:18,359 Laboury: She's absolutely perfect, Laboury: She's absolutely perfect,
104 00:06:18,434 00:06:20,192 She's absolutely symmetrical, She's absolutely symmetrical,
105 00:06:20,201 00:06:24,479 With not a single default, she's flawless. With not a single default, she's flawless.
106 00:06:25,714 00:06:28,039 Mastrelli: Egyptologist dimitri laboury Mastrelli: Egyptologist dimitri laboury
107 00:06:28,114 00:06:31,799 Believes he's pieced together the method the sculptor used. Believes he's pieced together the method the sculptor used.
108 00:06:33,081 00:06:36,559 It's a process that's part science as well as art. It's a process that's part science as well as art.
109 00:06:40,354 00:06:43,799 We know from traces on other ancient egyptian artworks We know from traces on other ancient egyptian artworks
110 00:06:43,874 00:06:47,399 That sculptors used a grid system to rough out their ideas, That sculptors used a grid system to rough out their ideas,
111 00:06:49,241 00:06:51,232 A simple but ingenious method A simple but ingenious method
112 00:06:51,241 00:06:54,319 For turning a flat image into a 3d object. For turning a flat image into a 3d object.
113 00:06:57,714 00:07:01,472 Every sculpture started with horizontal and vertical lines, Every sculpture started with horizontal and vertical lines,
114 00:07:01,481 00:07:04,439 Drawn onto the front and side of a stone block. Drawn onto the front and side of a stone block.
115 00:07:05,641 00:07:07,079 Laboury: And to produce that kind of grid, Laboury: And to produce that kind of grid,
116 00:07:07,154 00:07:09,712 They had rulers with measurement units They had rulers with measurement units
117 00:07:09,721 00:07:12,592 And equal distance between each line. And equal distance between each line.
118 00:07:12,601 00:07:14,752 This is the technique that they were using This is the technique that they were using
119 00:07:14,761 00:07:17,559 From the very beginning of ancient egyptian sculpture. From the very beginning of ancient egyptian sculpture.
120 00:07:19,401 00:07:22,439 Mastrelli: This way, when he came to draw a guide outline Mastrelli: This way, when he came to draw a guide outline
121 00:07:22,514 00:07:27,079 Onto the block, a sculptor could preserve perfect symmetry, Onto the block, a sculptor could preserve perfect symmetry,
122 00:07:27,154 00:07:28,919 He wouldn't have to judge it by eye. He wouldn't have to judge it by eye.
123 00:07:32,201 00:07:35,319 But when a scholar named rolf krauss worked out the grid But when a scholar named rolf krauss worked out the grid
124 00:07:35,394 00:07:38,352 And the outline which produced the nefertiti bust, And the outline which produced the nefertiti bust,
125 00:07:38,361 00:07:40,919 He made a startling discovery. He made a startling discovery.
126 00:07:40,994 00:07:44,919 Laboury: He reproduced a grid on each side of the block Laboury: He reproduced a grid on each side of the block
127 00:07:45,794 00:07:49,399 To recreate the design of this bust. To recreate the design of this bust.
128 00:07:51,154 00:07:54,192 Mastrelli: The relationship between the grid and the face Mastrelli: The relationship between the grid and the face
129 00:07:54,201 00:07:57,319 Suggests that there's some sort of formula at work. Suggests that there's some sort of formula at work.
130 00:07:57,394 00:08:00,752 Laboury: All the features of the face of nefertiti Laboury: All the features of the face of nefertiti
131 00:08:00,761 00:08:05,639 Just fit on a line or at the crossroad of two lines. Just fit on a line or at the crossroad of two lines.
132 00:08:05,714 00:08:09,392 Every feature fits on a line like the bottom line Every feature fits on a line like the bottom line
133 00:08:09,401 00:08:12,119 That defines the positioning of the eyes, That defines the positioning of the eyes,
134 00:08:12,194 00:08:16,719 The base of the nose, the junction between the two lips. The base of the nose, the junction between the two lips.
135 00:08:19,401 00:08:22,759 Mastrelli: In statistical terms, it's virtually impossible Mastrelli: In statistical terms, it's virtually impossible
136 00:08:22,834 00:08:27,152 That any real face would fit so perfectly into this grid. That any real face would fit so perfectly into this grid.
137 00:08:27,161 00:08:29,792 If this image bears any resemblance at all If this image bears any resemblance at all
138 00:08:29,801 00:08:33,479 To the real nefertiti, it's heavily stylized, To the real nefertiti, it's heavily stylized,
139 00:08:33,554 00:08:36,879 The ancient egyptian equivalent of a retouched photo. The ancient egyptian equivalent of a retouched photo.
140 00:08:38,994 00:08:41,159 Laboury: She's absolutely too perfect Laboury: She's absolutely too perfect
141 00:08:41,234 00:08:46,199 To be a rendering of the actual face of nefertiti. To be a rendering of the actual face of nefertiti.
142 00:08:46,921 00:08:48,992 Mastrelli: Nefertiti may not have been as perfect Mastrelli: Nefertiti may not have been as perfect
143 00:08:49,001 00:08:51,399 In real life as her iconic bust, In real life as her iconic bust,
144 00:08:51,474 00:08:54,512 And unfortunately a closer look at its discovery And unfortunately a closer look at its discovery
145 00:08:54,521 00:08:57,439 May also prove a little too good to be true. May also prove a little too good to be true.
146 00:09:03,001 00:09:05,792 The nefertiti bust has long puzzled experts The nefertiti bust has long puzzled experts
147 00:09:05,801 00:09:08,512 And some have even questioned its authenticity. And some have even questioned its authenticity.
148 00:09:08,521 00:09:11,719 The main reason, its miraculously pristine condition. The main reason, its miraculously pristine condition.
149 00:09:11,794 00:09:14,672 It certainly doesn't look 3000 years old. It certainly doesn't look 3000 years old.
150 00:09:14,681 00:09:16,919 While it was definitely discovered in amarna, While it was definitely discovered in amarna,
151 00:09:16,994 00:09:20,799 The circumstances surrounding that day seem a little fishy. The circumstances surrounding that day seem a little fishy.
152 00:09:22,514 00:09:26,752 There are photographs taken on December 6th, 1912, There are photographs taken on December 6th, 1912,
153 00:09:26,761 00:09:28,272 The day the bust was found The day the bust was found
154 00:09:28,281 00:09:31,552 By german archeologist ludwig borchardt. By german archeologist ludwig borchardt.
155 00:09:31,561 00:09:34,192 At first glance they appear simply At first glance they appear simply
156 00:09:34,201 00:09:37,632 To document borchardt's incredible find. To document borchardt's incredible find.
157 00:09:37,641 00:09:40,112 But after examining them more closely, But after examining them more closely,
158 00:09:40,121 00:09:44,279 Egyptologist christian loeben reads them differently. Egyptologist christian loeben reads them differently.
159 00:09:44,354 00:09:47,559 The photographs were taken by a visiting dignitary, The photographs were taken by a visiting dignitary,
160 00:09:47,634 00:09:49,919 Prince johann george of saxony. Prince johann george of saxony.
161 00:09:51,401 00:09:53,872 The single day that he spent at amarna The single day that he spent at amarna
162 00:09:53,881 00:09:57,799 Just happened to be the day when the bust was discovered. Just happened to be the day when the bust was discovered.
163 00:09:57,874 00:10:01,719 Loeben: I think the bust has been found somewhere else Loeben: I think the bust has been found somewhere else
164 00:10:01,794 00:10:04,912 And for the occasion brought to the find spot And for the occasion brought to the find spot
165 00:10:04,921 00:10:06,992 Where it was discovered by borchardt Where it was discovered by borchardt
166 00:10:07,001 00:10:10,839 And in the presence of these royal people. And in the presence of these royal people.
167 00:10:14,201 00:10:15,632 Mastrelli: Loeben has uncovered a letter Mastrelli: Loeben has uncovered a letter
168 00:10:15,641 00:10:18,272 That borchardt wrote to his wife, That borchardt wrote to his wife,
169 00:10:18,281 00:10:21,632 And it appears to support his suspicions. And it appears to support his suspicions.
170 00:10:21,641 00:10:25,232 Loeben: He writes a little poem which goes as follows. Loeben: He writes a little poem which goes as follows.
171 00:10:25,241 00:10:29,159 (speaking in foreign language) (speaking in foreign language)
172 00:10:33,314 00:10:35,152 Which is in english something like, Which is in english something like,
173 00:10:35,161 00:10:38,672 If you find something, take it into the house immediately If you find something, take it into the house immediately
174 00:10:38,681 00:10:40,519 Where it's safe and secure. Where it's safe and secure.
175 00:10:40,594 00:10:43,472 However, when a prince is approaching, However, when a prince is approaching,
176 00:10:43,481 00:10:45,839 Make sure you only find it tomorrow. Make sure you only find it tomorrow.
177 00:10:47,234 00:10:49,079 Mastrelli: At berlin's neues museum, Mastrelli: At berlin's neues museum,
178 00:10:49,154 00:10:51,559 Where the bust is the star attraction, Where the bust is the star attraction,
179 00:10:51,634 00:10:54,992 Any suggestion that borchardt was less than honest Any suggestion that borchardt was less than honest
180 00:10:55,001 00:10:58,639 Or that he stage-managed the discovery is unpopular. Or that he stage-managed the discovery is unpopular.
181 00:10:59,874 00:11:02,919 Seyfried: Of course it is really sensational Seyfried: Of course it is really sensational
182 00:11:02,994 00:11:05,959 That you have royal visitors and then the day That you have royal visitors and then the day
183 00:11:06,034 00:11:08,832 When you find the most important, When you find the most important,
184 00:11:08,841 00:11:12,199 Maybe the most important things of the whole campaign, Maybe the most important things of the whole campaign,
185 00:11:12,274 00:11:16,719 But that's, yeah, fortune, that's, yeah, fate. But that's, yeah, fortune, that's, yeah, fate.
186 00:11:18,441 00:11:19,552 (shutter clicks) (shutter clicks)
187 00:11:19,561 00:11:21,479 It was not arranged, no never. It was not arranged, no never.
188 00:11:22,601 00:11:25,239 Mastrelli: But the debate doesn't end there. Mastrelli: But the debate doesn't end there.
189 00:11:25,314 00:11:28,352 There are those who would go even further in questioning, There are those who would go even further in questioning,
190 00:11:28,361 00:11:30,919 Not only the manner of the discovery, Not only the manner of the discovery,
191 00:11:30,994 00:11:34,279 But also whether it is in fact ancient at all. But also whether it is in fact ancient at all.
192 00:11:35,634 00:11:38,679 One man believes that the nefertiti bust One man believes that the nefertiti bust
193 00:11:38,754 00:11:40,759 Is a 20th century fake. Is a 20th century fake.
194 00:11:41,801 00:11:44,399 Greenhalgh: It's supposed to be the work of a master sculptor, Greenhalgh: It's supposed to be the work of a master sculptor,
195 00:11:45,314 00:11:47,639 But the technique says otherwise. But the technique says otherwise.
196 00:11:47,714 00:11:50,679 Mastrelli: Shaun greenhalgh knows fakery. Mastrelli: Shaun greenhalgh knows fakery.
197 00:11:50,754 00:11:54,119 In 2007 he sold this amarna statue In 2007 he sold this amarna statue
198 00:11:54,194 00:11:57,712 To a uk museum for a six figure sum. To a uk museum for a six figure sum.
199 00:11:57,721 00:12:01,872 What he didn't reveal was that he'd made it himself. What he didn't reveal was that he'd made it himself.
200 00:12:01,881 00:12:04,592 Greenhalgh is a convicted forger, Greenhalgh is a convicted forger,
201 00:12:04,601 00:12:07,399 His work has fooled experts around the world. His work has fooled experts around the world.
202 00:12:08,434 00:12:11,152 For greenhalgh, what gives the game away For greenhalgh, what gives the game away
203 00:12:11,161 00:12:13,392 Is the layer of stucco plaster Is the layer of stucco plaster
204 00:12:13,401 00:12:15,552 That covers the limestone core That covers the limestone core
205 00:12:15,561 00:12:18,399 And forms the bust's most intricate features. And forms the bust's most intricate features.
206 00:12:19,881 00:12:21,399 Greenhalgh: That's the work of, if not an amateur, Greenhalgh: That's the work of, if not an amateur,
207 00:12:21,474 00:12:24,192 Then a second or third-rate sculptor Then a second or third-rate sculptor
208 00:12:24,201 00:12:26,272 And none of those would work for the pharaoh, And none of those would work for the pharaoh,
209 00:12:26,281 00:12:27,479 He'd only have the best. He'd only have the best.
210 00:12:30,034 00:12:32,672 That'd be like finding a michelangelo sculpture That'd be like finding a michelangelo sculpture
211 00:12:32,681 00:12:35,639 In marble and then you find out that the ears, the eyes, In marble and then you find out that the ears, the eyes,
212 00:12:35,714 00:12:37,399 All the hands, the difficult parts, All the hands, the difficult parts,
213 00:12:37,474 00:12:39,872 Are all made in stucco and added on, Are all made in stucco and added on,
214 00:12:39,881 00:12:41,639 It just wouldn't be done. It just wouldn't be done.
215 00:12:41,714 00:12:43,712 The damage on it is the major point The damage on it is the major point
216 00:12:43,721 00:12:46,352 Of it being a later copy. Of it being a later copy.
217 00:12:46,361 00:12:49,399 It's something I've done myself, I've seen on other fakes. It's something I've done myself, I've seen on other fakes.
218 00:12:51,314 00:12:53,919 It's quite obvious if you look at where it's damaged. It's quite obvious if you look at where it's damaged.
219 00:12:55,714 00:12:57,399 The ears are damaged, The ears are damaged,
220 00:12:57,474 00:12:59,639 So obviously its been dropped left and right sides. So obviously its been dropped left and right sides.
221 00:12:59,714 00:13:02,752 The back of the head has been damaged, and most telling, The back of the head has been damaged, and most telling,
222 00:13:02,761 00:13:06,999 The cobra on the conical cap is almost obliterated. The cobra on the conical cap is almost obliterated.
223 00:13:09,314 00:13:12,279 To remove it, it would have taken off the nose, To remove it, it would have taken off the nose,
224 00:13:12,354 00:13:14,119 The brow ridges and the chin, The brow ridges and the chin,
225 00:13:14,194 00:13:16,159 There's absolutely no damage to the face. There's absolutely no damage to the face.
226 00:13:18,194 00:13:21,799 The damage is selective and that's a dead ringer for a fake. The damage is selective and that's a dead ringer for a fake.
227 00:13:23,394 00:13:25,559 Mastrelli: Another indication this could be a fake Mastrelli: Another indication this could be a fake
228 00:13:25,634 00:13:28,599 Is nefertiti's missing eye. Is nefertiti's missing eye.
229 00:13:28,674 00:13:32,112 The left socket is empty while the right eye is made The left socket is empty while the right eye is made
230 00:13:32,121 00:13:36,039 From an inlay of black wax and rock crystal. From an inlay of black wax and rock crystal.
231 00:13:36,114 00:13:40,199 Greenhalgh believes that the right eye is genuinely ancient, Greenhalgh believes that the right eye is genuinely ancient,
232 00:13:40,274 00:13:43,152 Sourced to make the bust look real. Sourced to make the bust look real.
233 00:13:43,161 00:13:44,672 Greenhalgh: It's a major pointer to its fakery Greenhalgh: It's a major pointer to its fakery
234 00:13:44,681 00:13:47,239 Because it's the kind of thing I've done myself, Because it's the kind of thing I've done myself,
235 00:13:47,314 00:13:51,079 Sourcing beads or pearls or whatever for in a piece. Sourcing beads or pearls or whatever for in a piece.
236 00:13:51,154 00:13:53,232 Mastrelli: Borchardt searched the area Mastrelli: Borchardt searched the area
237 00:13:53,241 00:13:55,232 Where the bust was discovered, Where the bust was discovered,
238 00:13:55,241 00:13:57,479 Offering a cash reward to anyone Offering a cash reward to anyone
239 00:13:57,554 00:13:59,799 Who could find the missing eye. Who could find the missing eye.
240 00:13:59,874 00:14:01,312 It was never found It was never found
241 00:14:01,321 00:14:04,359 And greenhalgh believes it never existed. And greenhalgh believes it never existed.
242 00:14:04,434 00:14:07,632 Greenhalgh: It would be possible to source a quartzite eye, Greenhalgh: It would be possible to source a quartzite eye,
243 00:14:07,641 00:14:11,079 But to find a pair, well that be would very long odds. But to find a pair, well that be would very long odds.
244 00:14:12,434 00:14:15,159 Mastrelli: Greenhalgh argues this is the only way Mastrelli: Greenhalgh argues this is the only way
245 00:14:15,234 00:14:17,152 To explain the empty socket. To explain the empty socket.
246 00:14:17,161 00:14:21,392 To ancient egyptians, the eyes were a window to the soul. To ancient egyptians, the eyes were a window to the soul.
247 00:14:21,401 00:14:24,039 So representing the queen with one eye missing So representing the queen with one eye missing
248 00:14:24,114 00:14:26,439 Would be a shocking sign of disrespect. Would be a shocking sign of disrespect.
249 00:14:27,721 00:14:30,279 Finally, greenhalgh thinks he knows Finally, greenhalgh thinks he knows
250 00:14:30,354 00:14:34,119 Why the forger picked nefertiti and the amarna period. Why the forger picked nefertiti and the amarna period.
251 00:14:34,194 00:14:35,392 Greenhalgh: If you're gonna pick a period Greenhalgh: If you're gonna pick a period
252 00:14:35,401 00:14:37,879 Of egyptian art to fake, Of egyptian art to fake,
253 00:14:37,954 00:14:40,272 The amarna period is really the best The amarna period is really the best
254 00:14:40,281 00:14:44,359 Because the sculpture wasn't any more difficult Because the sculpture wasn't any more difficult
255 00:14:44,434 00:14:46,039 Than any other period, Than any other period,
256 00:14:46,114 00:14:48,912 But it is the most valuable today to collectors. But it is the most valuable today to collectors.
257 00:14:48,921 00:14:50,592 Mastrelli: Even though the discovery Mastrelli: Even though the discovery
258 00:14:50,601 00:14:53,632 Of nefertiti's bust seems strangely fortuitous, Of nefertiti's bust seems strangely fortuitous,
259 00:14:53,641 00:14:57,079 Could this iconic sculpture really be a fake? Could this iconic sculpture really be a fake?
260 00:14:57,154 00:14:59,712 If so, this actually wouldn't be the only time If so, this actually wouldn't be the only time
261 00:14:59,721 00:15:02,559 Borchardt had been connected with a forgery. Borchardt had been connected with a forgery.
262 00:15:03,801 00:15:06,912 Experts are expressing concerns over the discovery Experts are expressing concerns over the discovery
263 00:15:06,921 00:15:11,479 And authenticity of the iconic bust of nefertiti. And authenticity of the iconic bust of nefertiti.
264 00:15:11,554 00:15:13,632 Could it be that ludwig borchardt, Could it be that ludwig borchardt,
265 00:15:13,641 00:15:16,272 Germany's most celebrated archeologist, Germany's most celebrated archeologist,
266 00:15:16,281 00:15:19,479 Was duped by, or worse still, took part in, Was duped by, or worse still, took part in,
267 00:15:19,554 00:15:21,919 The greatest art fraud of all time? The greatest art fraud of all time?
268 00:15:22,994 00:15:26,279 At the August kesner museum in hanover, christian loeben At the August kesner museum in hanover, christian loeben
269 00:15:26,354 00:15:29,879 Is uncovering further reason to mistrust borchardt. Is uncovering further reason to mistrust borchardt.
270 00:15:35,554 00:15:37,239 In a storeroom, he's looking In a storeroom, he's looking
271 00:15:37,314 00:15:39,239 For an ancient egyptian sculpture For an ancient egyptian sculpture
272 00:15:39,314 00:15:41,119 That is no longer on display. That is no longer on display.
273 00:15:44,201 00:15:48,359 It was bought by the museum in 1926. It was bought by the museum in 1926.
274 00:15:48,434 00:15:51,719 Loeben: It represents a young man with a happy vague, Loeben: It represents a young man with a happy vague,
275 00:15:53,234 00:15:57,152 Really nice piece of the 12th dynasty, Really nice piece of the 12th dynasty,
276 00:15:57,161 00:15:59,159 Which is approximately 2000 bc. Which is approximately 2000 bc.
277 00:16:00,834 00:16:02,672 Mastrelli: The documentation that comes with it Mastrelli: The documentation that comes with it
278 00:16:02,681 00:16:05,159 Clearly identifies the seller Clearly identifies the seller
279 00:16:05,234 00:16:07,999 As none other than ludwig borchardt. As none other than ludwig borchardt.
280 00:16:09,794 00:16:11,799 Loeben: It says, borchardt, cairo Loeben: It says, borchardt, cairo
281 00:16:11,874 00:16:17,639 In 1926, for 2,550 piasters. In 1926, for 2,550 piasters.
282 00:16:18,521 00:16:22,672 To sell things onto museums was certainly something To sell things onto museums was certainly something
283 00:16:22,681 00:16:26,199 Which not every archeologist would have done. Which not every archeologist would have done.
284 00:16:26,274 00:16:28,119 Mastrelli: But borchardt's prominent reputation Mastrelli: But borchardt's prominent reputation
285 00:16:28,194 00:16:31,552 As an archeologist meant there was no reason As an archeologist meant there was no reason
286 00:16:31,561 00:16:34,672 To doubt the authenticity of his goods. To doubt the authenticity of his goods.
287 00:16:34,681 00:16:37,152 Loeben: A lot of people were relying on borchardt Loeben: A lot of people were relying on borchardt
288 00:16:37,161 00:16:40,759 To get beautiful objects for them on the cairo market. To get beautiful objects for them on the cairo market.
289 00:16:41,954 00:16:43,959 Mastrelli: But just four years later, Mastrelli: But just four years later,
290 00:16:44,034 00:16:46,479 Borchardt made an incredible admission. Borchardt made an incredible admission.
291 00:16:47,481 00:16:50,199 Loeben: Borchardt himself published an article Loeben: Borchardt himself published an article
292 00:16:50,274 00:16:54,359 Including this object, in which he states that it is a fake. Including this object, in which he states that it is a fake.
293 00:16:55,321 00:16:57,152 The museum was not very happy The museum was not very happy
294 00:16:57,161 00:17:00,359 To learn that it had bought a fake. To learn that it had bought a fake.
295 00:17:00,434 00:17:02,119 Mastrelli: Either borchardt had been complicit Mastrelli: Either borchardt had been complicit
296 00:17:02,194 00:17:04,272 In the sale of a forged object, In the sale of a forged object,
297 00:17:04,281 00:17:06,672 Or he himself had been fooled. Or he himself had been fooled.
298 00:17:06,681 00:17:08,519 Loeben: It's quite a good fake, Loeben: It's quite a good fake,
299 00:17:08,594 00:17:11,392 Only for knowledgeable egyptologists Only for knowledgeable egyptologists
300 00:17:11,401 00:17:14,199 Who have really looked at a lot of egyptian art Who have really looked at a lot of egyptian art
301 00:17:14,274 00:17:19,079 And also at forgeries would really say that it is a fake. And also at forgeries would really say that it is a fake.
302 00:17:19,154 00:17:20,679 Mastrelli: A history of selling fakes Mastrelli: A history of selling fakes
303 00:17:20,754 00:17:23,599 Should bring borchardt's credibility into question, Should bring borchardt's credibility into question,
304 00:17:24,441 00:17:27,072 But does it mean that we need to think differently But does it mean that we need to think differently
305 00:17:27,081 00:17:29,479 About the nefertiti bust? About the nefertiti bust?
306 00:17:29,554 00:17:33,392 Professor stefan simon is a leading conservation scientist Professor stefan simon is a leading conservation scientist
307 00:17:33,401 00:17:37,152 And the director of the rathgen research lab in berlin. And the director of the rathgen research lab in berlin.
308 00:17:37,161 00:17:40,272 He preserves historical artifacts, He preserves historical artifacts,
309 00:17:40,281 00:17:43,039 But also knows how to spot a forgery. But also knows how to spot a forgery.
310 00:17:44,761 00:17:48,919 Simon: As a conservation scientist, I see chemical faces, Simon: As a conservation scientist, I see chemical faces,
311 00:17:48,994 00:17:51,879 I look at the process of how an object was made. I look at the process of how an object was made.
312 00:17:51,954 00:17:54,512 What was the first, the second, the third layer? What was the first, the second, the third layer?
313 00:17:54,521 00:17:56,359 It's important to take a close look. It's important to take a close look.
314 00:17:57,561 00:17:58,912 Mastrelli: For a long time, Mastrelli: For a long time,
315 00:17:58,921 00:18:00,679 Simon's investigations were restricted Simon's investigations were restricted
316 00:18:00,754 00:18:04,199 By the fact that the bust is so fragile and so valuable. By the fact that the bust is so fragile and so valuable.
317 00:18:05,394 00:18:07,239 The destructive testing normally used The destructive testing normally used
318 00:18:07,314 00:18:10,839 To establish the age of an artifact was not an option. To establish the age of an artifact was not an option.
319 00:18:12,514 00:18:15,312 But when a tiny fragment of paint was dislodged But when a tiny fragment of paint was dislodged
320 00:18:15,321 00:18:17,319 While the bust was in transit, While the bust was in transit,
321 00:18:17,394 00:18:21,119 Simon seized the opportunity to examine its chemical makeup. Simon seized the opportunity to examine its chemical makeup.
322 00:18:22,114 00:18:25,952 Simon: Today we're taking a look at a tiny flake of paint Simon: Today we're taking a look at a tiny flake of paint
323 00:18:25,961 00:18:28,759 Off decorated surface which fell off the bust. Off decorated surface which fell off the bust.
324 00:18:28,834 00:18:31,152 We were looking at its chemical composition, We were looking at its chemical composition,
325 00:18:31,161 00:18:34,352 At the ground layer, how it was prepared before painting, At the ground layer, how it was prepared before painting,
326 00:18:34,361 00:18:37,399 Also at the texture, what is the grain size distribution. Also at the texture, what is the grain size distribution.
327 00:18:38,281 00:18:39,792 Mastrelli: Under the microscope, Mastrelli: Under the microscope,
328 00:18:39,801 00:18:42,759 The paint sample is magnified 800 times, The paint sample is magnified 800 times,
329 00:18:42,834 00:18:45,552 Giving stefan simon a unique insight Giving stefan simon a unique insight
330 00:18:45,561 00:18:47,232 Into its chemical structure. Into its chemical structure.
331 00:18:47,241 00:18:49,639 Simon: We are searching for hints and indications Simon: We are searching for hints and indications
332 00:18:49,714 00:18:52,432 Which are contradicting authenticity. Which are contradicting authenticity.
333 00:18:52,441 00:18:56,432 We're looking for materials which were not used We're looking for materials which were not used
334 00:18:56,441 00:18:59,079 At the time they were supposed to be used. At the time they were supposed to be used.
335 00:18:59,954 00:19:02,039 Mastrelli: The analysis reveals why the colors Mastrelli: The analysis reveals why the colors
336 00:19:02,114 00:19:04,319 Have not dulled after so many years. Have not dulled after so many years.
337 00:19:06,194 00:19:09,479 Simon: Most of the colors are very, very strong Simon: Most of the colors are very, very strong
338 00:19:09,554 00:19:12,512 And stable inorganic pigments. And stable inorganic pigments.
339 00:19:12,521 00:19:14,672 Mastrelli: The chemical composition of these pigments Mastrelli: The chemical composition of these pigments
340 00:19:14,681 00:19:17,079 Means that no matter how long they were left, Means that no matter how long they were left,
341 00:19:17,154 00:19:18,799 The colors would remain vivid. The colors would remain vivid.
342 00:19:19,881 00:19:24,752 Simon: All these paints are part of the palette Simon: All these paints are part of the palette
343 00:19:24,761 00:19:27,792 Of the egyptian artists 3000 years ago. Of the egyptian artists 3000 years ago.
344 00:19:27,801 00:19:30,752 They are to be expected to be there They are to be expected to be there
345 00:19:30,761 00:19:35,239 And they are quite stable, and that's probably the reason And they are quite stable, and that's probably the reason
346 00:19:35,314 00:19:37,239 Why they are still in such a pristine condition Why they are still in such a pristine condition
347 00:19:37,314 00:19:38,719 After so many years. After so many years.
348 00:19:40,041 00:19:41,792 Mastrelli: Simon believes that the patterns he sees Mastrelli: Simon believes that the patterns he sees
349 00:19:41,801 00:19:43,792 On the bust were most likely formed On the bust were most likely formed
350 00:19:43,801 00:19:45,519 Over a period of centuries. Over a period of centuries.
351 00:19:46,681 00:19:49,312 Simon: Most important finding was the aging Simon: Most important finding was the aging
352 00:19:49,321 00:19:51,792 Over long periods of time, Over long periods of time,
353 00:19:51,801 00:19:55,152 Changing partly the chemical composition Changing partly the chemical composition
354 00:19:55,161 00:19:58,112 In processes which are really slow processes, In processes which are really slow processes,
355 00:19:58,121 00:19:59,952 Which take a long time. Which take a long time.
356 00:19:59,961 00:20:03,319 Mastrelli: But is this enough to conclude, with certainty, Mastrelli: But is this enough to conclude, with certainty,
357 00:20:03,394 00:20:05,999 That this is an original ancient work? That this is an original ancient work?
358 00:20:08,681 00:20:10,439 Simon: You cannot prove that it's an original, Simon: You cannot prove that it's an original,
359 00:20:10,514 00:20:15,079 You can prove that's a fake if you find the evidence. You can prove that's a fake if you find the evidence.
360 00:20:15,154 00:20:17,072 If you find materials which are not consistent If you find materials which are not consistent
361 00:20:17,081 00:20:19,472 With the time, yeah, With the time, yeah,
362 00:20:19,481 00:20:23,079 Then you can say well there's a problem, Then you can say well there's a problem,
363 00:20:23,154 00:20:25,959 But if you don't find, you cannot prove. But if you don't find, you cannot prove.
364 00:20:26,034 00:20:29,552 Mastrelli: The paint on the bust appears to be old enough. Mastrelli: The paint on the bust appears to be old enough.
365 00:20:29,561 00:20:31,399 Professor simon is able to rule out Professor simon is able to rule out
366 00:20:31,474 00:20:33,479 The presence of modern pigments, The presence of modern pigments,
367 00:20:33,554 00:20:35,312 But that alone is insufficient But that alone is insufficient
368 00:20:35,321 00:20:38,559 To confirm the overall authenticity of the sculpture. To confirm the overall authenticity of the sculpture.
369 00:20:40,441 00:20:43,799 Simon: Unfortunately, we are not able Simon: Unfortunately, we are not able
370 00:20:43,874 00:20:48,559 To say yes, for 100%, here we have an authentic object. To say yes, for 100%, here we have an authentic object.
371 00:20:51,401 00:20:53,632 Mastrelli: The nefertiti bust continues to attract Mastrelli: The nefertiti bust continues to attract
372 00:20:53,641 00:20:55,559 Up to a million visitors a year, Up to a million visitors a year,
373 00:20:55,634 00:20:58,759 Despite lingering concerns about its provenance. Despite lingering concerns about its provenance.
374 00:21:00,674 00:21:03,639 Greenhalgh: I don't believe that it's genuine, Greenhalgh: I don't believe that it's genuine,
375 00:21:03,714 00:21:05,679 It just looks modern. It just looks modern.
376 00:21:06,041 00:21:08,432 Loeben: I am 100% sure it's an Loeben: I am 100% sure it's an
377 00:21:08,441 00:21:11,152 Original ancient egyptian object, Original ancient egyptian object,
378 00:21:11,161 00:21:12,759 But it has not been discovered But it has not been discovered
379 00:21:12,834 00:21:16,512 Where borchardt says he discovered it. Where borchardt says he discovered it.
380 00:21:16,521 00:21:20,592 Seyfried: It is quite sure that she is Seyfried: It is quite sure that she is
381 00:21:20,601 00:21:23,719 A key piece of ancient egyptian art. A key piece of ancient egyptian art.
382 00:21:25,961 00:21:28,519 Mastrelli: As the debate over the bust of nefertiti grinds on, Mastrelli: As the debate over the bust of nefertiti grinds on,
383 00:21:28,594 00:21:31,559 Forgeries continue to inundate the art world. Forgeries continue to inundate the art world.
384 00:21:31,634 00:21:33,312 Today european police estimate Today european police estimate
385 00:21:33,321 00:21:35,399 That as much as half of the art in circulation That as much as half of the art in circulation
386 00:21:35,474 00:21:37,959 On the international market is fake, On the international market is fake,
387 00:21:38,034 00:21:41,319 And even renowned fakes have become so prized that they too And even renowned fakes have become so prized that they too
388 00:21:41,394 00:21:44,839 Have been purchased for incredible sums of money. Have been purchased for incredible sums of money.
389 00:21:44,914 00:21:47,639 As is the case with this iconic egyptian queen, As is the case with this iconic egyptian queen,
390 00:21:47,714 00:21:50,119 It seems the provenance of a work of art It seems the provenance of a work of art
391 00:21:50,194 00:21:54,199 Sometimes matters less than how it captures our imagination. Sometimes matters less than how it captures our imagination.
392 00:21:54,274 00:21:55,872 Kind of like that phrase, Kind of like that phrase,
393 00:21:55,881 00:21:58,679 I don't know much about art, but I know what I like. I don't know much about art, but I know what I like.