Copying and Forgery in Oil Paintings: Researching and Application Example of Identification of Authenticity by Scientific Analysis

Authors : Betül Küçük, Gülder Emre

Pages : 80-106

Doi:10.33404/anasay.1614702

View : 36 | Download : 39

Publication Date : 2025-02-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, an unsigned oil painting from the Istanbul University Faculty of Letters collection, featuring an unknown painter and date, was subjected to dating and authentication processes. The painting exhibits a landscape on one surface and a nude female portrait on the other. Both surfaces were examined using visible light (VIS), raking light (RAK), ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) light sources. For organic and inorganic pigment analyses, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were employed. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized for binder and primer layer analyses, and a stereo microscope was used for fiber analysis. Additionally, Dendrochronology analysis was conducted to determine the type of wood and age of the painting\\\'s chassis. Art historical research provided insights into the painting\\\'s stylistic and technical aspects, as well as the artistic features of the composition, despite the unknown artist and year. HPLC analysis within the scope of pigment research indicated the absence of organic pigments, while SEM-EDX analysis identified ultramarine, cadmium red, manganese oxide, guignet green, lead red (minium), zinc white, lead white, Verona green, ivory/bone black, lithopone, molybdate red, permanent white, Prussian blue, Brunswick green, zirconium oxide, and black iron oxide. FTIR analyses have determined that the binder used in the paints of the painting is linseed oil. Fiber analysis determined that the canvas was made of linen. Dendrochronology analysis of the chassis dated it to 1913, although it was noted that processed wood could not be precisely dated. All analytical results were evaluated to establish an approximate date for the painting. Additionally, comparisons were drawn with painters who produced similar works, providing further context for the painting\\\'s authentication.
Keywords : özgünlük tespiti, SEM, FTIR, HPLC, dendrokronoloji, tarihlendirme, yağlı boya tablo