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Center for Art Materials Analysis, Inc. |
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Art Authentication |
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Many articles have been written about the large number of works of art that are attributed to famous artists but have questionable provenance. When artwork is bought or sold, a buyer may request authentication of a painting or object from an expert prior to the sale; or in some cases works of art are found or recovered and need to be examined to determine their authenticity. When a painting or object is studied with the goal of authenticating the work, scientific analysis can reveal the identities of materials that impact that final conclusion on authenticity. Most historic materials and many modern materials have been studied and information about the first introduction, period of use, and methods of preparation is available. The first step is an accurate characterization of materials such as pigments, media, supports, and binders. Once the components of a work of art have been identified, research of data for these materials can be performed and the results evaluated in light of the information known or suggested for a work of art.
The accurate identification of the materials in a work of art increases confidence in an authentication analysis with objective chemical data and corresponding historic data. Microscopic examination of paint cross sections can reveal clues to the technique used by the artist, which is information that aids stylistic evaluation of a work of art. Chemical analysis reveals identity and composition of historic and modern pigments and dyes. Medium analysis (oil, waxes, tempera, proteins, gums, synthetics) also shows artist’s technique and identification of synthetic materials can provide an estimated date of creation. Material analysis reveals modern or synthetic materials that have been used to represent a historic materials.
Analytical techniques used for art authentication include:
- Light Microscopy is used to identify pigments, textiles, synthetic materials, - FTIR Microscopy is used to identify synthetic and natural materials, polymers, - Raman Microscopy is used to identify pigments, minerals, gemstones, metal - Scanning Electron Microscopy is used to identify metals, glasses, ceramics, |
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Center for Art 217 S Wilmette Ave Westmont, IL 60559 630-430-3053 |
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© Copyright 2006 Center for Art Materials Analysis, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
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