Fine art authentication is a process that ensures the integrity of artworks, preserves cultural heritage, and maintains trust in the art market. By combining traditional methods, scientific advancements,[1][2] and emerging AI[3] and Blockchain technologies,[4] art authentication can offer accurate attributions and protect the artistic legacy for future generations.[5] It consists of proving the authenticity of an artwork and its attribution to a specific artist.[6] This process involves determining the origin, authorship, and historical significance of a piece of art.[7] The proliferation of art forgeries and the increased skill of the forgers who are aware of what scientific analysis reveals requires a rigorous approach to fine art authentication.[8][9]
History
The requirement for art authentication has been a historical practice, evolving over centuries alongside the growing recognition of artists and the increasing value associated with their creations. During the Renaissance,[10] the authentication of artworks was primarily based on the artist's style, brushstrokes, and technical mastery. Nevertheless, distinguishing between the original and the copy often proved challenging.[11] As art markets expanded globally and new artistic movements emerged, the authentication process became more intricate.[12]
Documentation examination involves scrutinizing the authenticity and accuracy of supporting paperwork, including certificates of authenticity, exhibition, and gallery records, as well as correspondence.[13]
Art authentication is a complex and multifaceted process, often accompanied by challenges and controversies. Some of the key issues include:[11][14]
Thierry Lenain[15] asserts that a forger's goal is to mislead the public into believing that the generated work of art is something else entirely. [16]
^Charney, Noah (2015). The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of Master Forgers. Phaidon Press. ISBN978-0714867458.
^Lenain, Thierry (2011). Art Forgery: The History of a Modern Obsession. Reaktion Books. ISBN978-1861898500.
^Calcani, Giuliana (2022). "The Cultural Pollution of the Fake: The case of the Pseudo-Ancient Bronze of an "Artisan" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art". In Salvadori, Monica; Bernard, Elisa; Zamparo, Luca; Baggio, Monica (Eds.). Beyond Forgery. Collecting, Authentication and Protection of Cultural Heritage. Padova. ISBN978-88-6938-292-5 – via Padova University Press.
