A pair of brothers who discovered 15 previously unknown etchings potentially linked to renowned artist Lucian Freud are facing questions about the works’ authenticity. Mike and Anthony inherited the collection after finding the prints tucked away in a garage alongside an old washing machine.

The etchings bear a striking resemblance to Freud’s early piece "Girl With A Fig Leaf," but the absence of signatures has raised doubts among experts and collectors. The brothers brought the prints to the attention of art specialists to determine whether the works are genuine originals or later copies.

The mystery surrounding the artworks is featured on the BBC One program "Fake or Fortune?," which aims to investigate and verify disputed pieces. Presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould lead the inquiry, examining the provenance, stylistic details, and technical aspects of the etchings.

While some aspects of the prints closely mirror Freud’s known style and technique, the lack of definitive markings complicates the process of authentication. The program discusses the challenges of verifying unsigned artworks, especially those connected to celebrated figures like Freud, whose pieces are highly sought after and valued.

No conclusive determination regarding the etchings’ origin had been reached as of the program’s broadcast, leaving the brothers and the art community awaiting expert analysis and possible scientific testing to confirm or refute the works’ provenance.