Technical Art History

In the last few years, the problems of authenticity in paintings have reached untenable proportions in tandem with a lack of understanding from connoisseurs and collectors of the insights that modern scientific investigation can offer. In some cases, because of this lack of knowledge, the results of scientific analysis are treated with suspicion.

The art world has gradually come to realize the need to develop educational programs that aim at improving the technical know-how of collectors, connoisseurs, and young students who seek work as art scientists. As an introductory textbook, Technical Art History is an essential contributor to addressing this need.


Traditional and innovative scientific techniques are introduced and explained through separate case studies, using the analysis of paintings and their authentication as a vehicle. This book will equip the reader with the ability to discern the most appropriate techniques in an authenticity endeavor and to have an increased appreciation of the value of an integrated approach in the evaluation of an artwork.