Unmasking Art Forgery: Scientific Approaches

Abstract

Scientific approaches to art forgery provide the rigorous methodology by which claims made about a work can be tested. A plethora of scientific instrumentation is available for the analysis of artwork but data are only useful when assessed against existing secure points of identification. Verifiability of results, therefore, relies on standardised documentation, defined rules of evidence and ensuring that all processes and findings are reproducible. In building knowledge of what characteristics constitute authentic works, providing effective protocols and rigorous procedures and bringing together multi-disciplinary knowledge to bear on questions of art forgery, science has become an essential part of good curatorial practice, effective conservation procedure and art market diligence.