NCJ Number
138348
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1992) Pages: 1096-1114
Date Published
1992
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Because art fraud represents a relatively new area of criminal investigation, the legal profession is exploring the use of various fields of expertise, including document examiners, to help determine the authenticity of art.
Abstract
Document examiners are trained to determine the authenticity of signatures and make distinctions about papers and inks. When the substrate of art is paper and it bears a signature, art falls within the sphere of forensic document examination. The type of art that can be examined using forensic document examination methods involves pieces that use the same implements, processes, and materials as documents. This includes ink, paper, printing processes, water marks, mechanical impressions, signatures, and other handwriting notations made by a conventional writing instrument such as a pen or pencil. Although art authentication is a difficult issue, the key element is deception. The detection of fake art pieces in the print medium is complicated by the degree of authenticity and contractual agreement. The most common type of fake in the print medium is an unauthorized reproduction of a genuine work bearing a nongenuine signature. Unauthorized reproductions can be produced inexpensively, there is a high consumer interest in affordable art, and many sales are solicited for investment value. The process of examining art for authenticity is detailed, and limits of the forensic document examiner are discussed. 6 references, 1 table, and 11 figures