Fakes, Forgeries and the Future Francis EastaughFakes, Forgeries and the Future Francis Eastaugh...
Transcript of Fakes, Forgeries and the Future Francis EastaughFakes, Forgeries and the Future Francis Eastaugh...
Fakes, Forgeries and the Future
Francis EastaughGeneral Manager (UK)Art Analysis and Research
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What can art forensics do for
you?
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20 – 50% of the artworks in the worldare fakes, forgeries, mistaken identifications, or unknowns
Art Market Risk
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Typical means for authentication and attribution:
• Provenance which suffers from incomplete and scattered sources
• Connoisseurship which is subjective and vulnerable to litigation risk
Lack of Tools and Methods
Knoedler Gallery
Largest modern forgery case – 2011 to
2016
• Modern and Post War Paintings
• Manufactured Provenance
• Works sold for up to $17M5
Wolfgang Beltracchi
Most financially successful forger in history
• Technically sophisticated forgeries
• Forged provenance
• Real certificates of authenticity6
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Two Paintings
One Original
Double Trouble
Finding Lost Treasure
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Visible Light
TransmittedLight
Traced Image of
Underdrawing
Artist’sSketch Book
Increase in value of over 100x due to proper attribution
Due Diligence Best Practices
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What is Art Forensics?
Art forensics is the use of scientific tools to understand the creation and condition of art objects.
Key components:
• Materials Analysis
• Technical Imaging
• Data Analytics
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Material Science
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Determining the materials present
Technical Imaging
Visible
InfraredUltraviolet
X-ray
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Ultra-High Resolution Imaging
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Record and Track Condition
Assess Damage Post Loss
Data Analytics
Key tools:
• Pigment database
• Artist’s technique database
• Image database
• Automated reporting
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Art Forensics Buyers Guide
Find A Laboratory That…
• Does this work routinely
• Used by major institutions
• Independent
• Offers full confidentiality
• Cost not tied to value of the object
Report Should Demonstrate…
• Database of materials and techniques
• Clear explanation of process and results
• Results in commercial and art historical context
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Pre-Risk
• Higher levels of transactional due diligence
• Art forensics as a routine element of due diligence
• High resolution imaging for condition documentation
• Better risk assessment for authenticity issues
Post Loss
• Condition tracking to pinpoint time and extent of
damage
• Forensic testing to show how damage occurred
The Future