The scientist vs the art forger - with Jehane Ragai

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Discover the ongoing battle between scientists and forgers, revealing the cutting-edge and traditional methods used to uncover art deceptions.

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This Discourse was recorded at the Ri on 27 September 2024.

Over the last few decades, the art world has faced a troubling rise in forged paintings. In response, scientific techniques for detecting these forgeries have become more sophisticated and effective. We are thrilled to offer you the unique opportunity to join  Professor Jehane Ragai in delving into the ongoing battle between scientists and forgers, revealing the leading-edge and traditional methods used to uncover art deceptions. Exploring notorious cases, including the Beltracchi, Chagall, Pollock, and Rothko affairs, Jehane emphasises the importance of using the right tools and techniques to guarantee authenticity. This Discourse discusses the motivations behind the most egregious art deceptions. It also sheds light on why discovering a work of art is a forgery dramatically changes our perception of it.

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Jehane Ragai is an emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the American University in Cairo.  She has lectured extensively in the US, Europe and the Middle East to university and museum audiences on the scientific detection of forgery in paintings and on topics related to Ancient Egyptian Science. The recipient of several AUC Trustees merit awards, Jehane also received the School of Sciences and Engineering award for her role as chair of the Department of Chemistry and in 2013 she was awarded the university-wide best teacher award. From 2008-2020, Ragai has been a jury member for the l’Oreal-UNESCO, Women in Science award and is a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and Sciences in Gothenburg. She is the author of the acclaimed book “The Scientist and the Forger” and her educational Textbook “Technical Art History” which she co-authored with Tamer Shoeib has won in 2021 the "Most Promising New Textbook Award " by the Textbook and Academic Authors Association in the US. 

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