Detection of Art Forgery Lab Activity

Your students will learn the techniques that the masters use to determine real paintings from forgeries. They will be presented with “real” and “forged” paintings in the styles of Monet, Van Gogh, and Pollack and be asked to pick the originals. In order to do this, they will test for lead in the paint, check for fluorescence,
and analyze the colors to determine if they are mixed or layered. It includes an instruction manual and materials for six setups. This kit is ideal for children grades 6-9. A UV lamp, required, is available separately.

Materials Included:

Instructor's Manual Special Needs Lead Nitrate Paraffin Cubes Single Edge Razor Blades Paintings, Original Plastic Bottles w/caps

MSDS SDS Potassium Chromate Pipettes Magnifying Lenses Paintings, Forgeries

Materials needed but not included:

Distilled Water
Small Stoppers for test tubes (30)
Match Books (6)
Ultraviolet Light
Small Test tubes (30)
Spatulas (6)

Choose from a full or a refill kit using the pull-down menu. Use the pulldown menu to add a UV light.