Scientific Analysis for Art Restoration, Authentication and Attribution

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Why choose Art-test

Since 2005 the widest range of professional art diagnostics services

Methods

All state-of-the-art scientific analyses and diagnostics for paintings, frescos, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry and other artworks. Our approach is based on a solid scientific background (see scientific publications )

Services

Research and investigation for restoration, authentication and attribution, forensics, condition checks for buyers and loans to exhibitions

Devices and Resources

From in-house development and commercialization of advanced scientific instruments, to the distribution of a new reference database of XRAYS and IR images (and more data), concerning 100 XIII-XV century paintings from Siena

Outreach

Training courses, stages, lectures and presentations for dissemination of art analysis results, techniques and methodologies

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Scientific Analysis Methods

World-class scientific instruments and solutions for art analysis

Unique technologies that will answer your questions about what is on the painting and what is hidden under the superficial paint layer. The instruments employed by Art-Test are the result of a thorough and complex study carried out by experts with wide experience in this field, with the objective of optimizing both performance and portability.

Advanced Imaging

Art-test offers the most advanced imaging techniques: the patented Multi-layer® method, all IR reflectography techniques, the unique XRF scanning, together with the classical ones: X-Rays, Thermography, Multispectral imaging, and so on.

Analytical techniques

Chemical and physical analyses on microsamples to characterize and understand the history of the objects in terms of raw materials used, manufacturing process, dating, preservation.

Volumetrics

Methods to record and analyse the shape and internal structure of small and large items, via not only 3D modeling like photogrammetry and laser scanning, but also CAT, ultrasound analyses, georadar testing, microclimatic surveys…

Data Processing & Modelling

The complementary information provided by the various techniques can be exploited to locate and identify on the whole image the different materials, detecting restorations, for classification or virtual restoration, virtual cleaning and so on.

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Diagnostics and authentication services

We offer a wide range of solutions for all your needs in diagnostics, restoration, authentication, attribution and more. Art-Test activities are driven by true passion for art, trust in the objectivity of science and a “no non-sense” approach to always pursue our customer‘s best interest.

Based on our extensive experience we know which tests are needed in each specific situation, so we can avoid waste of precious time and money. For instance, for an authenticity check, most of the times a quick test is sufficient, while for attribution it is necessary to dive deeper employing a wide range of techniques. Therefore we offer two levels of service:

PRELIMINARY CHECK - A fast and inexpensive package of tests sufficient to uncover recent forgeries

FULL EXAMINATION - Depending on the artwork material and the evaluation objectives, the appropriate techniques will be applied and a comprehensive report will be issued with expert’s interpretation of results. We can choose from:

Non-invasive analysis: 2D imaging, sample-based and3D volumetric

Micro-invasive analysis: material analysis and dating

We collaborate with the best experts from universities, research centers, restoration labs, art historians, connoisseurs and specialists in specific techniques, styles, periods and artists. We produce comprehensive reports of our tests including interpretation of the analyses results with respect to the objectives of the examination, and the opinion of the experts.

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Portfolio

We work with museums, labs, galleries, restorers and collectors. A few projects we have worked on:

We ensure customer’s privacy and we only show previously published projects.

El Greco: new attribution at the Uffizi

Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines

Caravaggio: a copy? Multilayer shows it’s original!

Velazquez: data confirm authenticity of Waterseller

Leonardo: Salaì or da Vinci’s hand?

Caravaggio: discovery of self-portrait in Bacco

Raffaello: discovery of a forgotten PEARL

Pinacoteca of Siena: Art-test scans the collection

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News

We keep you updated with the key news on art analysis, diagnostics, restauration and attribution with our posts and newsletters

A 4,10 m tall bozzetto!

Mar 31, 2017

It is not, and it was not, a common practice to make full size models for statues. But apparently Giambologna, at the time of this commission, was best known for “small” things, and he wanted to immediately silence who did not trust his abilities to work with bigger dimensions. So he proved himself in large […]

Art-Test moves!

Feb 1, 2017

We have chosen a new location, more prestigious, we are in Palazzo Frescobaldi, more central, 5 min walk from the Old Bridge, but mostly offering an increased security level to our customers, with a guard at the entrance 24/7. In spring we will throw a party to celebrate. Currently too many activities keep up busy […]

AN ARTICLE ON CARAVAGGIO OR NOT CARAVAGGIO?

Mar 2, 2016

For Art-Test, the Aiar appointment is double. If you have missed the interesting workshop on Caravaggio last April in Empoli, you can take the opportunity to see the work of Art-Test in conjunction with S.T. Art-Test entitled “Caravaggio or not Caravaggio? Preliminary scientific evidence for the attribution of the St. John the Baptist of Empoli […]

MADE IN CHINA: GENUINE OR FAKE?

Mar 1, 2016

Chinese porcelain is one of the great protagonists of the art market in recent years; but how do you prove that such pieces are worthy a relevant investment and are not fake? Experience has taught that for great quality imitations, the traditional authentication methods based on the study of style, decoration, materials and trademarks, often proved to […]

Company – Who we are

At your service since 2005 Art-Test’s devices and a multi-skilled team of professionals sharing passion and respect for art combined with a thorough scientific background.

Our activities focus on analysis of artworks for diagnostics, restoration, authentication and attribution, but we have applied our technology to different areas such as archeology and even skin-cancer diagnostics.

A device portfolio among the most advanced, rapidity and flexibility of operation as you should expect from a modern private enterprise, and a highly professional approach constantly aiming at customer satisfaction, are the key success factors that have taken Art-Test to a leading position in the market.

Art-Test has a network of public and private partners enabling us to further broaden our offer and let our customers enjoy privileged rates.

Company – Who we are Art-Test is based in Florence, home to a quarter of world’s top artworks (Unesco) in the heart of Italy, and opening an office in Brussels at the heart of Western Europe (with fast connections from Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne).

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Contacts

Questions? We'll be happy to answer. Please contact us !

email: info@art-test.com

Main Office + Lab: Florence (I), Via Santo Spirito 11- +39 055 228 6478

N.Europe Office: Bruxelles (B), Chausse Saint-Pierre - +32 2 735 7355