What we can do

To seem and not to be: the problem of fakes and the consequent problem of authentication has been around for many years. The number of fakes that are discovered and brought to public attention is ever increasing. This is also since it is currently possible to rely on targeted analyses to establish the authenticity and sometimes the attribution of works of art. These data are fundamental for e.g. correct estimates in transactions and inheritances.

Scientific analyses offer additional tools with great benefits for Scholars and Connoisseurs. They facilitate the understanding of the methods and techniques typical of a school, for example by studying the reuse of cartoons. They also allow making comparisons between epochs and cultures, for example by studying the similarities between the materials used at different times and in different locations.

Scientific methods capable to provide additional knowledge, permit also to support the distinction between copy and original and e.g. to discover unknown works hidden under the most superficial layers of the paintings.

Scientific publications currently rely largely on data provided by scientific diagnostics.

Scientific analyses may be used to help establishing the authenticity and sometimes the attribution of works of art. Scientific data are fundamental for e.g. correct estimates, backing and complementing data on provenance and conservation state.

The number of fakes that are discovered and brought to public attention is ever increasing. This is also since it is currently possible to rely on targeted analyses to establish the authenticity and sometimes the attribution of works of art. Even important collection may be infested by forgeries.

Scientific data are fundamental for e.g. correct estimates in transactions and inheritances.

Scientific analyses offer additional opportunities for museum curators and art galleries. They facilitate the understanding of the methods and techniques typical of a school, for example by studying the reuse of cartoons. They also allow making comparisons between epochs and cultures, for example by studying the similarities between the materials used at different times and in different locations.

Scientific data is frequently used in publications. Moreover, it can provide attractive and unique materials to complement the offer and enhance the experience during the visits or in the framework of a thematic exposition.

Scientific analyses offer fundamental tools for restorers and conservators. They facilitate the understanding of the methods, materials and techniques employed in each artwork, and its conservation state over the whole surface. They also allow judging previous conservation treatments assessing current ones and planning future actions.

Direct and large experience in the field combined with interest in teaching and dissemination are not easy to found.

We designed and delivered full courses and single lectures, customized for students and participants of various levels, from university level to outreach activities created for non-professional communities.