Citizen Keane: The Big Lies Behind The Big Eyes

The 2014 film Big Eyes told the story of Margaret Keane, the artist who created the famous big-eyed paintings that became a global phenomenon in the 1960s. The film, which starred Amy Adams as Keane, portrayed her as a talented but naive artist who was swindled out of her work by her husband, Walter Keane.

However, the truth behind the story is far more complex than the film suggests. In reality, Margaret Keane was a brilliant businesswoman who played a key role in the marketing and promotion of her artwork. She was also a skilled artist in her own right, and her paintings continue to be popular with collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.

Citizen Keane: The Big Lies Behind the Big Eyes

by Cletus Nelson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4479 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

FREE

The Real Margaret Keane

Margaret Keane was born in 1927 in Nashville, Tennessee. She began painting at a young age, and by her early twenties she had developed a unique style characterized by large-eyed children and animals.

In 1955, Margaret married Walter Keane, a salesman who had a keen eye for business. Walter recognized the commercial potential of Margaret's paintings, and he began to market them to galleries and art collectors. Within a few years, Margaret's paintings were selling for thousands of dollars, and she became one of the most popular artists in the world.

The Big Lie

In the early 1960s, Walter Keane began to claim that he was the artist behind the big-eyed paintings. He forged Margaret's signature on the paintings, and he even appeared on television and radio to talk about his work. Margaret was shocked and horrified, but she was afraid to speak out against her husband.

Walter Keane's lie continued for years, and he became a wealthy and famous artist. He even opened a museum in San Francisco dedicated to his work. However, Margaret's guilt and frustration eventually got the better of her, and in 1986 she filed a lawsuit against Walter for fraud.

The Trial

The trial of Margaret Keane v. Walter Keane was a sensational event. Margaret testified about how Walter had stolen her work, and she produced evidence to support her claims. Walter, meanwhile, denied everything, and he even called Margaret a liar.

The jury found in Margaret's favor, and Walter Keane was Free Downloaded to pay her damages. The trial was a major victory for Margaret, and it helped to restore her reputation as the true artist behind the big-eyed paintings.

The Legacy of Margaret Keane

Margaret Keane continued to paint until her death in 2018. She was a prolific artist, and she produced over 2,000 paintings during her lifetime. Her work is now in the collections of museums around the world, and she is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

The story of Margaret Keane is a reminder that the truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction. It is a story of deception, betrayal, and triumph. It is a story that shows that even the most talented artists can be victims of fraud. But it is also a story of hope, and it shows that it is never too late to stand up for what is right.

Learn More About Margaret Keane

• Visit the Margaret Keane Foundation website: https://www.margaretkeanefoundation.org/
• Read Margaret Keane's autobiography, Big Eyes: The Story of My Life:
• Watch the 2014 film Big Eyes

Citizen Keane: The Big Lies Behind the Big Eyes

by Cletus Nelson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4479 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

FREE