London — The National Gallery is opening an exhibit this week about how experts use technology to properly identify art works and detect forgeries.
The exhibit, “Close Examination – Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries,” shows how devices such as infrared imaging, X-rays and a gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometer can be used to peel back layers of time in art.
One painting on exhibit is “The Virgin and Child with an Angel,” which was acquired by the National Gallery in 1924. It was believed to be by Italian painter Francesco Francia until a similar painting hit the market.
Last year, an investigation found the museum’s work was a fake.
The exhibit opens Wednesday and lasts until mid-September.