TESS: Development of Elemental Tagging Technologies for the Authentication of Artwork

The TESS project focused on pioneering innovative elemental tagging technologies to enhance the authentication of artwork. By integrating advanced material science with conservation techniques, the project aimed to develop reliable methods for verifying the provenance and authenticity of cultural heritage objects.

The collaboration included THETIS Authentics Ltd (Greece), National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (Greece), INP, NCSR Demokritos (Greece), and the Benaki Museum (Greece). This interdisciplinary effort combined expertise in analytical chemistry, conservation science, and museum studies to create a scientifically robust approach to artwork authentication.

Project Objectives:

The primary goal was to establish non-invasive tagging and verification techniques, ensuring a secure and scientifically validated methodology for authenticating historical and contemporary artworks.

Project Period: 2008-2010

Funded by: European Regional Development Fund / General Secretariat for Research and Technology