Although technology has given us the ability to examine paintings and perceive things that are beyond our natural vision, our eyes can still reveal the most important factors about a work of art, such as its painting technique, changes in technique, and history. What we can see naturally gives us the best clues as to the condition of the object.

Things to Look for

• Interruption in the surface of the painting
• Inconsistencies in the brushwork
• Illogical content, such as different skin tones in face and hand
• Cracks and splitting