Authentication: science and art at odds?

Duane R. Chartier; Fred G. Notehelfer

doi:10.1117/12.308594

25 May 1998 Authentication: science and art at odds?

Duane R. Chartier, Fred G. Notehelfer

Proceedings Volume 3315, Scientific Detection of Fakery in Art; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308594
Event: Photonics West '98 Electronic Imaging, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Contrary to popular belief, there is a very great difference between the detection of forgery versus the authentication of works of art. Sciences is generally very good at producing evidence of falsification but often is equally poor at proving authenticity. The primary reason for these gross differences is that connoisseurship and art history are more strongly involved in the process of authentication than are scientific testing and analysis. There is also a pronounced lack of substantive interaction between art conservation professionals, scientists and art historians. The case of a recently discovered painting by John Constable will be used to illustrate the difficulties and opportunities of a balanced and systematic approach to the process of authentication. There is much more than science involved in such endeavors and this would not surprise anyone who has attempted to introduce works of art through non-traditional channels. Great problems arise when the curatorial community is asked to consider works that do not so easily 'fit' into a neat art historical period or stylistic pigeonhole. Connoisseurs often will only accept the best works of an artist and discount the inevitable products of the artist's evolution -- less accomplished works. Scientific principles and technical evidence can and must be used in order to elevate the practice of authentication.

Citation Download Citation

Duane R. Chartier and Fred G. Notehelfer "Authentication: science and art at odds?", Proc. SPIE 3315, Scientific Detection of Fakery in Art, (25 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308594

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available