Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Features Genuine Masterpieces from Renowned Artists

Wes Anderson’s latest film, ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ distinguishes itself by featuring actual masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and René Magritte, rather than reproductions. The film’s fictional collector character, Zsa-zsa Korda, portrayed by Benicio Del Toro, owns an impressive art collection including Renoir’s “Enfant Assis en Robe Bleue,” once owned by Greta Garbo, and Magritte’s “The Equator.” The production also secured works from the Hamburger Kunsthalle museum in Germany, including pieces dating back to the 17th century. Obtaining these valuable paintings for filming was a complex process, primarily managed by curator Jasper Sharp, who has a history of collaborating with Anderson and his wife on art exhibitions. Sharp highlighted the challenges of protecting priceless artworks in a film set environment, which involves intense lighting, heat, limited climate control, and high activity. This marks a departure from Anderson’s previous approach, where he used fakes of famous works by Kandinsky and Klimt. The decision to use authentic art pieces aligns with the film’s themes of art and commerce, adding depth and authenticity to the story.