Attributing Old Masters Paintings and the Plight of the Expert in the Art Market.

摘要

Art attribution, an important step in the authentication process, is a challenging endeavor for experts when confronted with the issues of attributing Old Master paintings. Experts must take every precaution in researching an artwork because their judgments can determine the value and desirability of a work on the market. Their opinions are academic sources used continuously in the commercial side of the market. These opinions on attributions are published individually or by authentication committees through catalogues raisonnés. Attributing Old Master paintings is not an exact science and the threat of litigation and loss of reputation are serious concerns for art experts today.;This thesis will look at the wider art market and the role of the expert-connoisseur within the market in the context of Old Master paintings. It will explore the evolution of modern connoisseurship with the development of attribution committees. The thesis will concentrate on understanding the plight of the expert in today's art market and the necessary methods developed to protect themselves from litigation and disparagement of their judgments.