A scientist taking a sample from a wooden statue

Detecting a sculpture copy

CIRAMdetects sculpture copies through rigorous scientific analysis, thus guaranteeing the authenticity of your works.

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A scientist looking through a microscope

Would you like to know whether a sculpture is a copy?

Do you have doubts about the authenticity of a sculpture? Whether it's an ancient bronze, a signed marble, or a wooden sculpture, doubts about authenticity can quickly arise.

Uncertain provenance, suspect manufacturing techniques, anachronistic materials or too uniform a patina... To remove any uncertainty, only a rigorous scientific analysis can settle the matter.

CIRAM supports museums, collectors and experts with precise analysis methods, so you can authenticate your works with confidence and make the right decisions.

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They trust us

The greatest museums and art professionals trust us for the authentication of their objects.

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Genuine art objects for authenticity analysis

Our analysis techniques for verifying the authenticity of a sculpture

To distinguish an original sculpture from a copy, CIRAM employs a range of scientific techniques suited to the nature and era of the sculpture being analyzed.

  1. Our specialists begin by identifying the constituent materials (bronze, marble, wood, ivory, etc.) through advanced physico-chemical analyses. When possible, radiocarbon dating allows us to estimate the age of organic elements, such as wood.
  2. We also study the manufacturing methods: tool marks, castings, assemblies, or welds can reveal the use of modern techniques incompatible with the presumed period of creation.
  3. Finally, surface analysis makes it possible to evaluate the composition of patinas, varnishes, or oxidations to detect possible manipulations or restorations.

Each technique is selected according to the specifics of the work, to guarantee reliable and relevant results.

Find out more about our analysis methods

How does CIRAM detect a sculpture copy?

At CIRAM, the analysis process relies on a rigorous methodology, structured in several steps.

01 - Defining your needs

We start with an in-depth discussion to understand your needs: doubts about authenticity, lack of documentation, upcoming sale or restoration.

02 - Choice of techniques

We then define the techniques to be used according to the nature of the sculpture.

03 - Laboratory analysis

The sculpture can be analyzed on-site or be the subject of a carefully controlled sampling. When necessary, a non-destructive sampling protocol is proposed to respect the integrity of the piece.

04 - Interpretation of results

Once the results have been obtained, you receive a clear, usable report with conclusions backed up by scientific data.

Why choose CIRAM for sculpture authentication?

Calling on CIRAM means choosing a trusted, independent scientific partner recognized for its expertise in the art market. For over 20 years, we have been assisting museums, auction houses, collectors, and restorers in the verification of the authenticity of sculpted works.

Our state-of-the-art equipment, strict protocols and multidisciplinary approach (chemists, physicists, archaeologists) guarantee reliable results that can be interpreted and accepted in a legal or heritage context.

With CIRAM, you benefit from expert, confidential, and transparent support to make informed decisions about your acquisitions or collections.

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Are you asking yourself these questions?

What are the most common signs of a sculpture copy?

Uniform patina, modern materials, absence of traces of traditional tools or unclear provenance are all clues that may indicate a copy.

Can a copy be old?

Yes, some copies date back to modern times or even antiquity. An analysis can help to date the materials and understand the context of creation.

Can a copy be detected without damaging the sculpture?

Yes, CIRAM favors non-destructive or micro-invasive methods to preserve the integrity of the work.

How long does a complete analysis take?

On average, between 10 and 15 working days, depending on the complexity of the work and the techniques involved.

What results does CIRAM deliver following analysis?

A clear and detailed report, including the scientific results, their interpretation, and a conclusion on compatibility with the era in which the alleged perpetrator was born.

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Get all the answers to your questions!

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