Art Forgeries and Their Detection - the Scientia Review

Craquelure
As paintings age they develop unique crack forma-
tions known as craquelure. While this is a sign of dam-
age to the work, it can also be used in authentica-
tion. Should a piece lack a distinctive marking from
the art it mimics, it is easy to identify as fraudu-
lent. There are a number of computer algorithms that
make craquelure verification easier and faster. One
program can be used to map out the cracks and an-
other can compare it to the original work. The prob-
lem with this method is that as the artwork ages, its
patterns change. Additionally, when a painting is re-
stored, the more distinct fissures are often covered
up.