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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 511 — Master Guide to Forensic Analysis of Sculpture (Foundry vs. Recast)
Authenticating sculpture is one of the most complex areas of art forensics. Because sculptures are produced through multi-stage casting processes, each step leaves physical evidence that helps experts distinguish original foundry castings from recasts, unauthorized editions, workshop copies, tourist-foundry productions, and modern 3D-scan reproductions. Understanding these forensic signatures—surface morphology, casting traits, patina behavior, tool marks, and foundry marks—is essential for reliable evaluation.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 511 provides the complete non-destructive methodology for identifying authentic sculptures across bronze, brass, spelter, cold-cast resin, plaster, ceramic, and mixed-media forms. This Master Guide explains how to analyze casting quality, evaluate shrinkage clues, interpret tool marks, assess patina stratification, identify forged signatures and foundry stamps, examine internal structural evidence, and detect modern digital forgeries.
Inside this Master Guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify material types including bronze, brass, spelter, resin, plaster, and terracotta
Distinguish lost-wax, sand-cast, and investment-cast sculptures by forensic traits
Evaluate shrinkage, dimensional variance, and softened detail in recasts
Recognize signature and inscription inconsistencies, including cast-in vs. hand-applied marks
Identify forged or anachronistic foundry stamps and welded-on signature plates
Analyze patina depth, stratification, mineral behavior, and aging irregularities
Detect surface anomalies from modern 3D-scan and digital reproduction processes
Examine internal wall thickness, sprue removal, casting shell texture, and filler materials
Evaluate chasing, grinding, and finishing marks for authenticity
Apply the full non-destructive forensic workflow used by sculpture specialists
Whether evaluating a bronze figure, a decorative casting, a modern reproduction, or a suspected recast, this guide provides collectors, appraisers, conservators, and dealers with the comprehensive framework needed to assess sculptural authenticity with clarity and confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
Authenticating sculpture is one of the most complex areas of art forensics. Because sculptures are produced through multi-stage casting processes, each step leaves physical evidence that helps experts distinguish original foundry castings from recasts, unauthorized editions, workshop copies, tourist-foundry productions, and modern 3D-scan reproductions. Understanding these forensic signatures—surface morphology, casting traits, patina behavior, tool marks, and foundry marks—is essential for reliable evaluation.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 511 provides the complete non-destructive methodology for identifying authentic sculptures across bronze, brass, spelter, cold-cast resin, plaster, ceramic, and mixed-media forms. This Master Guide explains how to analyze casting quality, evaluate shrinkage clues, interpret tool marks, assess patina stratification, identify forged signatures and foundry stamps, examine internal structural evidence, and detect modern digital forgeries.
Inside this Master Guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify material types including bronze, brass, spelter, resin, plaster, and terracotta
Distinguish lost-wax, sand-cast, and investment-cast sculptures by forensic traits
Evaluate shrinkage, dimensional variance, and softened detail in recasts
Recognize signature and inscription inconsistencies, including cast-in vs. hand-applied marks
Identify forged or anachronistic foundry stamps and welded-on signature plates
Analyze patina depth, stratification, mineral behavior, and aging irregularities
Detect surface anomalies from modern 3D-scan and digital reproduction processes
Examine internal wall thickness, sprue removal, casting shell texture, and filler materials
Evaluate chasing, grinding, and finishing marks for authenticity
Apply the full non-destructive forensic workflow used by sculpture specialists
Whether evaluating a bronze figure, a decorative casting, a modern reproduction, or a suspected recast, this guide provides collectors, appraisers, conservators, and dealers with the comprehensive framework needed to assess sculptural authenticity with clarity and confidence.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access