Conservation and authenticity: Interactions and enquiries

A critical reassessment of authenticity in conservation reveals that its meaning is multifaceted, with recent neuroscience research demonstrating distinct brain responses to authentic versus copied artifacts. The study examines how cultural heritage charters—such as the Athens Charter and Venice Charter—have historically applied authenticity, often without unified criteria, and explores its implications through case studies, including restorations of ancient marble sculptures and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. It argues for a more integrated, discipline-spanning approach to evaluating authenticity, acknowledging that debates have evolved significantly in the past two decades.

Scott, D. A. (2015). Conservation and authenticity: Interactions and enquiries. Studies in Conservation, 60(5), 291–305. https://doi.org/10.1179/2047058414y.0000000159