Annual Meetings-Fine Art Fraud and Forgery

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the detection and prevention of fraud, forgeries, and fakes in the art world. It explains the importance of authentication through provenance, connoisseurship, and forensics. The prosecutor's perspective is highlighted, focusing on proving criminal intent through various investigative techniques. The role of authentication boards in verifying the legitimacy of artworks, with examples like the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, is explored. The dissolution of the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board is mentioned, along with the significance of expert opinions in legal proceedings.<br /><br />Forensic techniques such as Accelerator Mass Spectroscopy and X-ray analysis are detailed for detecting forgeries. The risks of false negatives in forensic analysis are cautioned against, emphasizing the need for thorough examination. The document also covers instances of undercover investigations to uncover art scams, like the case involving Jean-Michel Basquiat and Alfredo Martinez. Specific examples of forged artworks by Andrew Wyeth are discussed, including the methods used to detect and expose the forgeries through forensic analysis and discrepancies in provenance.<br /><br />The importance of diligence in verifying the authenticity of artworks is stressed throughout the document, with a concluding quote emphasizing the enduring value of art. Contact information for further inquiries or questions regarding the topics discussed is also provided.

Asset Caption

Presented by:
David Hall, Partner, Wiggin and Dana LLP
Robert Wittman, President, Robert Wittman, Inc.

Keywords

fraud detection

forgeries prevention

art authentication

provenance importance

forensic analysis

criminal intent

authentication boards

Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board

forensic techniques

undercover investigations