How the Technique Works
Developed at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, the method converts high-resolution images of paintings into 3D-like topographical maps, allowing researchers to measure how rough or detailed the painted surface is using fractal dimensions. These measurements capture subtle patterns created by an artist’s brushwork — patterns so consistent they function like a unique morphological signature for each painter. eurekalert.org
“Fractal analysis gives us a measurable fingerprint of an artist’s brushwork without needing to sample or disturb the painting,” said lead researcher Francois Berkmans. “This approach won’t replace traditional expertise, but it significantly strengthens it. Our results show that our technique can clearly point out genuine artists and reliably detect known forgeries.” eurekalert.org
Testing Against Known Fakes and Disputed Works
In tests using works attributed to Vincent van Gogh, the well-documented fake “The Plowmen” was identified as a strong outlier, while “Sunset at Montmajour” — a painting once dismissed as a forgery before being authenticated by the Van Gogh Museum in 2013 — aligned closely with Van Gogh’s established artistic signature. The approach also successfully separated the stylistic signatures of Van Gogh and 17th-century painter David Klöcker Ehrenstrahl, demonstrating its broader applicability. en.wikipedia.org nytimes.com eurekalert.org
The idea of using mathematical analysis to authenticate art is not entirely new. Previous efforts have employed wavelet analysis and computer algorithms to study Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, and earlier work by some of the same researchers explored fractal characterization of paint surfaces at different scales. However, the new method offers a streamlined, image-based approach that requires no physical contact with the artwork. paw.princeton.edu iopscience.iop.org pbs.org
Implications for the Art World
The technique offers museums, collectors, and auction houses an additional tool against art fraud — a persistent problem in a market where forgeries can sell for millions. Rather than replacing connoisseurship, the researchers position their method as a complement to traditional expertise, providing quantifiable data to support or challenge attributions. correiobraziliense.com.br eurekalert.org
