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How can errors in iconography reveal that an ancient-looking object is a forgery?

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kouros — Art fraud Kouros of uncertain provenance, formerly on display with the label “about 530 bc or modern forgery,” dolomitic marble; in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California.

In the context of art fraud, errors in iconography serve as a critical indicator that an object may be a forgery. Because forgers often lack the deep scholarly background required to accurately synthesize the complex symbols, themes, and subject matter of a specific historical period, they frequently make mistakes when combining these elements.1

These iconographic errors betray the object's lack of authenticity because the forger fails to replicate the precise, conventional imagery associated with the era they are attempting to imitate. While a forger may successfully mimic the surface appearance of an ancient work, they often struggle to correctly interpret or arrange the symbolic language that would have been natural and consistent for an artist of that time.1

When scholars analyze an antiquity, they look for consistency in these iconographic details. Any deviation from the established conventions of the period or the artist's known body of work immediately arouses suspicion, as it suggests the creator did not possess the authentic cultural or historical knowledge inherent to the genuine pieces they are trying to replicate.1