“Ancient” Forgeries Fool Art Markets

As the world accumulates more wealth, eager investors pay exorbitant fees for art. To help supply meet frenzied demand, art forgery is also on the rise. Even established collectors, including governments and museums, get fooled, reports Matthias Schulz for Spiegel Online. Globalization and advances in technology – with new chemicals; access to antiquated stone, paper or even tools; and elaborate documentation – boost the supply of faked art and even antiquities. High prices tempt or embarrass many in the art field, including appraisers and owners, prompting vehement denials of forgery. Researchers develop techniques to detect forgeries, but the criminals also read the scientific journals and quickly develop counter techniques. – YaleGlobal