The Scientist and the Forger: Insights into the Scientific Detection of Forgery in Paintings - Rilegato

Ragai, Jehane

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 1783267399 ISBN 13: 9781783267392

Casa editrice: Imperial College Pr, 2015

Riassunto

Over the last few decades there has been a scandalous increase in the number of forged paintings in tandem with a steep rise in the price of artworks. This also comes with an enhanced awareness on the part of professional forgers that their paintings might undergo scientific investigation.The Scientist and the Forger describes both innovative and long-held approaches to the detection of forgery and authentication of paintings with special focus on ground-breaking scientific techniques introduced in the last decade. It provides both the layperson and the scientist with a description of these new methods while relating them to both the most notorious cases where these methods have been applied.Fresh insights into the psychology of the viewer are provided and attempts to shed new light on the long-sought answer to the question: Why does the revelation that a work of art is forged make us view it differently? are discussed. The psychology of the forger is also explored as are the myriad motivations behind the most egregious incursions into deception.The book concludes by discussing some of the pressing problems faced by the art world today, stressing the importance of using appropriate tools for a valid verdict on authenticity, and making a case for the imperative necessity of integrating honest connoisseurship and competent science.

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Recensione

The book accomplishes its goal of explaining how science is utilized in the art world in a way that is easily accessible and digestible for both those in the art world and those unaffiliated with the art world. Jehane Ragai s wealth of experience and knowledge on the subject matter is quite evident throughout the text and I highly recommend this text for anyone interested in learning more about how science operates in the art world.--Taylor Berrena, The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, UK

In an elegant and engaging style, Professor Jehane Ragai provides us with an exceptional exposé of art, science, and business. Her description of the state-of-the-art scientific techniques is pedagogical and overarching, from microscopy to spectroscopy and from mass spectrometry to chromatography. And, the psychology of the viewer and forger is dealt with to highlight the impact of art forgery on the business industry. This book is a must-read for those who are interested in the science and business of art.

--Ahmed Zewail, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (1999)

Dr Ragai is a clear and engaging writer. She takes a subject that could be a cure for insomnia and makes it interesting and, crucially, easy for laypeople to understand. The book's full of illustrations, including reproductions of the paintings that star in the case studies ... There's also a comprehensive glossary, wide-ranging sources noted at the end of each chapter, and an index that's actually useful. It's also a good pick if you're into art crime, forensic science, or just seeing scientists doing the damnedest things. --Criminal Element

... Your book has given me enormous pleasure! It really is outstandingly good in all respects: authoritative, a joy to read and attractively produced. I very much like the overall format and the meticulous attention to detail - including the excellent glossary. Of course, it will be of particular value to the art historian, but in addition will appeal to everyone interested in the visual arts. I greatly admire the rare combination of artistic appraisal and scientific discipline. --Professor K S W Sing, Former Chairman of the IUPAC Commission I.6 on Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Dettagli dell'edizione

• Editore: Imperial College Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2015
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 1783267399
• ISBN 13: 9781783267392
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 258
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: gpsr@libri.de; gpsr@libri.de; ; Europaallee 1; Bad Hersfeld; 36244; Germania