Day: May 21, 2025

Art forgeries have plagued the art world for centuries, exploiting vulnerabilities such as high prices, institutional reputations, and expert egos, with some estimates suggesting that up to 40–70% of artworks in museums and collections may be inauthentic. Advances in forensic science and artificial intelligence have improved detection methods, but forgers continually adapt, creating a perpetual cat-and-mouse game between deception and authentication. Notorious scandals, like the Knoedler Gallery case and the exposure of historical forgers such as Han van Meegeren and Elmyr de Hory, underscore the ongoing tension between authenticity and forgery, prompting ongoing reflection on the true nature of art and expertise.