Analytical methods for the authentication of early 20th-century paintings

Authenticating early 20th-century paintings presents a significant challenge due to the proliferation of forgeries and the introduction of new materials over time. This study employs advanced techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectrophotometry, and SEM-EDX, to analyze artworks and assess the authenticity of their pigments. Key findings reveal the presence of phthalocyanine-based pigments, identified through colorimetric analysis, in several paintings. Since these pigments were not introduced until the 1930s, their detection raises concerns about potential alterations or misattributions of these works. On the other hand, other artworks exhibited pigments consistent with materials commonly used in the early 20th century, reinforcing their authenticity.