A court case in 1986 reveals that Margaret Keane, a talented artist, was the true creator of the iconic 'Big Eye' paintings, after her husband Walter Keane falsely claimed credit for decades.
In a dramatic courtroom scene from 1986, federal judge assigned to a case between artists Margaret and Walter Keane made them draw to prove who truly created the famous 'Big Eye' paintings. The situation escalated as both claimed to have painted these artworks, leading the judge to ask them to create art in front of the jury. Margaret produced a painting in just 53 minutes, while Walter failed to even begin, citing shoulder pain, which exposed the long-standing deception.
The saga of the Keanes' artistic partnership began in San Francisco in 1955, where Margaret, a shy yet immensely talented painter, was known for her unique style featuring children with oversized eyes, which she described as the windows to the soul. Walter, a charming and ambitious man, married her and possessed a knack for sales. Their combined abilities led to widespread recognition and sales of the 'Big Eye' paintings, although it was largely Margaret's work that garnered acclaim and success.
The courtroom revelation marked the end of a 30-year deception, where Walter had claimed credit for Margaret's creations. Following the trial, Margaret's story shifted from obscurity to newfound recognition as the true artist behind the alluring images. The case highlighted issues of artistic recognition, gender dynamics in the art world, and the consequences of a profound betrayal in a highly publicized legal battle.
