A scientific laboratory at the service of
art
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The Museum
laboratory’s mission is to improve existing scientific
methods and elaborate new methods for the ascertainment
of the authenticity of art objects. The laboratory’s
instruments and know-how for the determining of
authenticity are at the disposal of collectors, art
experts, restorers, art galleries and museums.
The
laboratory of the Museum of Art and Science is a non-profit facility |
Tests carried out by the
laboratory:
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Spectroscopic dating and characterization of wooden objects |
Microscopic tests on paintings, antique bronzes, excavated pottery, etc. |
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Examination of underlying layers using infrared reflectography |
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Analyses of paint layers with a duroflexometer |
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Analyses with Wood’s light, UV and IR |
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FURTHER ANALYSES PERFORMED IN THE LABORATORY:
Spectroscopic chemical analyses
on pigments, glues, encrustations, patinas,
products of corrosion.
Scientific, practical and instrumental tests of authenticity on:
ivory, amber, archaeological glass,
pigments, metals, stones, carpets, tapestry, prints, books, clocks and
watches, china.
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PRICES:
the average cost of analyses is 75 Euro per test; some tests are conclusive in
telling fake and authentic items apart, such
as wood dating and tests on the
encrustations on pottery and bronzes. |
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WHAT IS MORE, in the Museum rooms there are nine interactive test stations at the disposal of visitors for simple tests for ascertaining the authenticity of antiques. |
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test
station room 7: |
test
station room 8: |
test station room 9: test for revealing use of plastic |
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test station room 9: identification of authentic icons with Wood’s light |
test station room 9: examination with a magnifying glass of signs of wear and decorations on china |
the microscope distinguishes authentic patinas and encrustations from faked ones |
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optical examination of signs of wear to identify an authentic piece of silverware |
shadows reveal the industrial or handcrafted manufacture of glass |
the dull sound of a porcelain item reveals hidden restoration work |
OTHER SITES OF THE MUSEUM OF ART AND SCIENCE:
www.MuseoArteScienza.com - Sections of the "Museo d'Arte e Scienza": 6 rooms dedicated to the ascertainment of authenticity in art and antiques, 5 rooms on Leonardo da Vinci's "Treatise on Painting" and his activities in Milan, 5 rooms dedicated to African Art and Buddhist Art, 2 Scientific Laboratories.
www.LeonardoDaVinciMilano.com - two permanent exhibitions: "Leonardo Citizen of Milan" and "Appreciating Art through the Eyes of Leonardo" from his "Treatise on Painting". (last update January 2006)
www.ArtAndScienceHandbook.com - The most complete and scientifically valid guide to ascertaining the authenticity of European and non-European antiques on an objective basis (540 pages and more than 2,000 colour illustrations in 3 volumes and 3 languages).
www.Paintingsauthenticity.com -
A list of possible
methods for determining the authenticity of paintings based on objective
factors.
www.AntiqueFurnitureAuthenticity.com -
A list of possible
methods for determining the authenticity of furniture based on objective
factors.
www.Excavatedartauthenticity.com - "A list of all the possible ways of determining, on the basis of objective factors, the authenticity of excavated pottery, glass or bronze items from Southern Italy, the Mediterranean Basin, China and South America.". (carried out on January 2006)
www.AfricanArtAuthenticity.com - "Art and Life in Black Africa", The African Art didactic section of the Museum (5 rooms and over 350 objects). (last update January 2006)
www.C14spectrodating.com -
Spectroscopic
measurements complementing dating obtained with the C14 method that appears
uncertain or impossible.
www.DendroSpectroChronology.com - Spectroscopic measurements complementing the uncertain results of dendrochronological dating.
www.Matthaes.org -
The history of
the G. Matthaes Foundation
from the opening of the painting school
