All the artistic expressions we know have been fundamentally influenced by the evolution of graphic arts. In fact, there is a constant appreciation for both the ‘old masters’ and modern painting.
It is often difficult to identify and recognise artists who may have produced anonymous works, been influenced by other artists, travelled, collaborated with or been helped by other artists. Their works may have been forged, restored or altered, and may even have become subjects for study through the creation of copies. Art historiography developed the concept of authenticity starting in the 19th century. XIX by examining the materials and the artist’s handwriting, learning to identify any restorations and to consider the signature as a pictorial element rather than a graphic sign.
Thanks to the collaboration of talented art historians and with the support of the most modern diagnostic technologies, it is now possible to study a work of art not only by attributing it based on its appearance, but also by verifying the compatibility of the work with its support, with the preparation base, the paint film and the protective varnish, thus providing reliable interpretations that capture those nuances that, like the difference between black and white, lie between true and false.
