Fine Art Authentication Management

A Suggestion for Managing the Authentication Process from a Construction Angle

Single handedly, Peter Paul Biro, self-proclaimed art authenticator extraordinaire, has set the advancement of Art Authentication back on its collective heels. Damage caused by his finagling and money-grubbing tactics have put fingerprint analysis, in the case of the Pollock painting authentication, in a less than favorable light, putting it mildly.

Under the circumstances you may ask, what avenue should we take to get back on track in this most important task of authentication? In an article penned by Fine Art Registry™ columnist John Daab entitled, Fine Art Authentication Management, a concise and plausible way to manage such a daunting task is plainly outlined.

Failure in the art authentication process is, as John points out, a management problem. In the case of the Pollock painting debacle, Kenneth Parker and his wife engaged Mr. Biro to examine their painting. The entire experience evolved into a very expensive and exhausting nightmare for the couple. Mr. Biro was constantly requesting more and more money to complete his examination, while the Parkers waited for their report of whether or not the painting was actually a Pollock.

Using a model initially patterned after what the military devised and ultimately the construction industry adopted, John advocates that this same systematic control could be used in the authentication of fine art. This common sense approach would certainly be a breath of fresh air for those in need of this service. Many owners of fine art are aware that the authenticating process can be an expensive minefield to maneuver. There are far too many scam artists willing to take their money with disastrous results.

This article expounds on three standard activities that were developed historically to attain the much-needed ingredient for transparency in fine art authentication. Science, provenance and connoisseurship provide the combination needed along with a management plan. Be sure to read the sensible solution to an age-old problem at www.fineartregistry.com.