How do art museums verify that a donated painting is authentic?

Art museums use several approaches. Curators study the painting's style, subject, technique and signature and compare it with documented works by the artist. They review provenance records, exhibition history and published references such as catalogs of an artist's work.

When questions remain, conservators may examine the painting under magnification, ultraviolet light or other imaging that reveals underdrawings, repairs and materials. Some museums consult outside scholars who specialize in a particular artist.

A museum may decline a gift if it cannot be reasonably confident in attribution, or it may accept it with a more cautious label, such as attributed to or in the style of an artist. If you are uncertain about a painting, getting an independent opinion from a qualified appraiser or specialist before offering it can save time for everyone.