How DNA Verification Is Being Used To Fight Art Forgery

There has been an increase in the number of high-profile art forgery cases, and the problem is costing collectors and institutions billions of dollars.  The University of Albany and Aris insurers have come up with a marking technology that could provide works of art with a unique synthetic DNA tag.  This new DNA marking technology may provide a way for collectors verify disputed artworks beyond a reasonable doubt in a matter of seconds. 

The company would develop labels that contain genetically engineered tags that would be stuck onto the artwork.  At a cost of only $150 the DNA labels would provide a very affordable way to verify the authenticity of the art (considering the high cost of many works of art).  Art forgery is a big problem in the collector’s world and this technology will hopefully assist buyers and collectors in making the right choices. 

See Henri Neuendorf, Can DNA Verification End Art Forgery Forever?, Art Net News, October 12, 2015.