Authentication Research Service
ANNOUNCEMENT: As of October 1, 2024, IFAR is no longer accepting new submissions to the Authentication Research Service. As we wind down operations for 2025, our focus will be on completing projects submitted to IFAR for Preliminary and full Authentication Research.
Who May Apply
No longer accepting submissions.
Procedures
Preliminary Inquiries
IFAR is able to undertake only a limited number of authentication research projects each year. Therefore, we ask applicants to proceed in two stages. At the preliminary inquiry stage, we request a non-refundable deposit, a signed contract and the documentation and information described on our application form. This includes two professional quality 8" x 10" color photographs and a high-resolution digital image, together with all provenance information and any verbal or written opinions — positive or negative — that have previously been expressed about the work. We will retain at least one photograph for our records.
Please note: IFAR will rarely accept a work lacking an initial attribution.
Authentication Research
If a work is accepted for research and the signed contract by the owner is in-hand, IFAR will assign a researcher, and identify and consult with the appropriate specialists, whether on IFAR's Art Advisory Council or elsewhere. Several experts may be - and usually are - consulted on a project. Generally, their names are provided in IFAR's report; however, certain experts may wish to remain anonymous, usually because their museum or university affiliation requires that. It is, therefore, within the sole discretion of IFAR to determine whether the names of the experts are disclosed.
At the appropriate time, IFAR will ask to examine the work in person. If necessary, we will recommend laboratory analysis (e.g. X-radiography, infrared reflectography, pigment or media testing, fiber analysis, etc.), often at additional cost.
A written report outlining our findings and stating our opinion as to authorship will be presented after the completion of the research. In rare instances, the report may not be conclusive. IFAR does not issue "certificates of authenticity."
For questions, contact
Lisa Duffy-Zeballos
Art Research Director
research@ifar.org