Radio Times: Review by:; David Butcher

Fiona Bruce is back to champion more fine old paintings with question marks hanging over them. It’s a great idea for a series, and in full swing it’s as ingenious and intriguing as the art world (and underworld) it explores.

Our “sleeper” picture this week is — or purports to be — a Degas. It’s a tiny, charming oil painting of a ballet dancer, but it is not included in the relevant bible of Degas’ works. A nice old gent whose father bought it in 1945 would love to know if it’s worth a few hundred pounds or, if it’s the real deal, half a million. Rakish art dealer Philip Mould and his gloriously named researcher Dr Bendor Grosvenor assist Bruce in tracing the truth.

About this programme

1/3. Fiona Bruce and expert Philip Mould investigate more works of art with mysterious origins. They begin by examining a painting that owner Patrick Rice believes is by Edgar Degas. If correct, it could be worth about £500,000. However, although Patrick's father bought it from a reputable dealer in 1945, the piece failed to make the official catalogue of the artist's work - meaning it is not classed as genuine by auction houses and is currently valued at only £200. Fiona and Philip trace the artwork back through time to find out whether it really was created by one of France's greatest artists.