When necessary, we recommend scientific tests to be performed by our highly trained professionals in order to obtain results that will show where and when a client’s artwork was created.

In the case of Old Master paintings, often painted on panel, we can now determine the species of tree the wood came from and, therefore, its geographical origin. We can also determine the time when the tree was alive and, from there, the age of the panel.

In the case of works on paper, chemical analysis allows us to identify if synthetic fibers were used and further ascertain whether the paper was produced prior to or following the discovery of synthetics.

Paint and pigment analysis enables us to identify what substances they were made of and, from there, when they were first manufactured and made available to painters.

Carbon dating lets us detect the age of wood, canvas, linen and paper, while thermoluminescence gives us the information on the age of artworks made from clay.

In many cases, fingerprints embedded in the paint can be examined and compared with the recorded fingerprints of the artist. Additionally, there are other instances whereby if a hair from the artist fell off and became embedded in the paint, DNA can be extracted and matched with that of the descendants or other known family members of the artist.

In a growing number of areas, scientific testing of the materials provides invaluable information that can be used for art authentication purposes.