A British collector may see an expensive painting burned because a French committee has determined it is not an authentic work by Marc Chagall.
Art lover Martin Lang told BBC radio on Monday he still hopes the painting will be returned.
He bought the painting for STG100,000 in 1992 believing it to be an authentic Chagall.
His son recently called in experts from a BBC show to determine if it was real.
When it was sent to the Chagall Committee in Paris for a final ruling, the committee said it was a fake and would be destroyed under French law.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The committee is run by Chagall's grandchildren to protect his legacy.
BBC host Fiona Bruce said Lang was not told that his painting would be destroyed if not authentic.
