Is forging a crime?

Should the fact that it has turned out to be a forgery matter to you aesthetically?
Lessing argues no while Dutton argues yes.
Lessing sees no difference between forgery or authentic when dealing with aesthetics. However, a forgery lacks originality as far as Lessing is concerned. The fact in the matter is that there most likely might be no difference between the two.
On the other hand Dutton sees aesthetics to matter as well.
The problem with forgery is that it misrepresents artistic achievement because it gives us misleading information about the origins of the work in question. This hinders us from correctly assessing the achievement it represents. Which is why Dutton suggests it can affect our legitimacy of aesthetically appreciating art.