Authenticating Art and Artifacts: An Introduction to Methods and Issues

Book excerpt: Written by the prominent art and artifacts scholar Cycleback, this book is a primer and survey of standard methods and issues in the identification, authentication, fake and forgery detection of art, artifacts and collectibles, from ancient artifacts and famous paintings to antique toys and trading cards. Topics include stylistic and historical analysis, scientific testing (including radiometric dating, thermoluminescence testing, spectroscopy, microscopy and artificial intelligence analysis), basic research methods, material and process identification, provenance, altered forgeries, the limits of science and analysis, and more. Authentication involves many aspects and perspectives working together, from nuclear physics to art history, and this book is written for all those invested or interested in the topic, including museum workers, scientists, historians, students, appraisers, lawyers, collectors and those simply interested in how famous artworks and relics are authenticated and forgeries identified.