A scientific laboratory at the service of
art
The Museum laboratory’s mission is to improve existing scientific methods and
elaborate new methods for the ascertainment of the authenticity of art objects.
The laboratory’s instruments and knowhow for the determining of authenticity are
at the disposal of collectors, art experts, restorers, art galleries and
museums.
(The staff of the laboratory, who speaks the main European languages, is at your disposal for any explanations).
A collection of art objects is generally an assortment of authentic items,
copies and fakes. Today, more than ever before,
buying art is considered also an investment for the future.
Therefore a determination of
authenticity by state-of-the-art scientific methods can offer every
collection a guarantee for the future and contribute to bringing transparency to
the market.
But there is an understandable tendency for
dealers, including auctioneers and institutes at the service of the market, to
be sceptical about the recent conquests of science in most cases.
The laboratory of the Museum of Art and
Science is a nonprofit facility and is independent from every point of view.
Tests carried out by the laboratory:
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Spectroscopic dating and characterization of wooden objects |
Microscopic tests on paintings, antique bronzes, excavated pottery etc. |
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Examination of underlying layers using infrared reflectography |
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Analyses of paint layers with a duroflexometer |
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Analyses with Wood’s light, UV and IR |
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FURTHER ANALYSES PERFORMED IN THE LABORATORY:
Spectroscopic chemical analyses
on pigments, glues, encrustations, patinas,
products of corrosion.
Scientific, practical and instrumental tests of authenticity on:
ivory, amber, archaeological glass,
pigments, metals, stones, carpets, tapestry, prints, books, clocks and
watches, china.
ADDITIONALLY, in the Museum rooms there are 9 interactive test stations at the disposal of vistors for simple tests for ascertaining the authenticity of antiques.
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test
station room 8: |
test
station room 9: |
identification of glues and other synthetic materials with Wood’s light |
test station room 9: examination with a magnifying glass of signs of wear and decorations on china |
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optical examination of signs of wear to identify an authentic piece of silverware |
shadow reveals industrial or handcrafted manufacture of glass |
the microscope distinguishes authentic patinas and encrustations from faked ones |
the dull sound of a porcelain item reveals hidden restoration work |
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For more information contact: |
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PRICES: the average cost of analyses is 75 Euro for each test; some tests are conclusive in telling fake and authentic items apart, such as wood dating and tests on the encrustations on pottery and bronzes. |
