Ei-7 Artwork Fraud and Physics

Aim

To demonstrate different spectral reflectance and transmittance properties and how they may be used to investigate art fraud.

Apparatus

  • Specially prepared canvas
  • IR source
  • DV camera with night vision mode.

Art Fraud 1 Art Fraud 2 Art Fraud 3

Art Fraud Images

Description

A canvas has been prepared with hidden underlying artwork. In ordinary visible light the canvas displays no detail apart from a continuous orange background. When illuminated from behind with an infrared source The hidden writing beneath is clearly visible when viewed with the camera on night vision mode.

Safety Notes

Artwork Fraud and Physics SOP-3