Why can two art experts disagree about whether the same artwork is authentic?

Disagreements between art experts regarding the authenticity of an artwork often arise because authentication is a complex, multifaceted process that combines subjective analysis with objective scientific testing, and experts may weigh these factors differently.12

Subjective vs. Objective Analysis

• Stylistic Analysis: This approach relies on the "astute eye" of the art historian to evaluate brushwork, composition, and iconography against an artist’s known body of work. Because this method is inherently subjective, experts may interpret stylistic nuances differently, leading to conflicting conclusions.1
• Technical Analysis: While scientific methods—such as X-rays, chemical analysis, and infrared imaging—provide objective data, they can also yield ambiguous results. For instance, a forger might use authentic materials or mimic historical techniques so skillfully that scientific tests are inconclusive.12

Additional Factors

• Provenance Gaps: Research into an object's history of ownership is crucial, but archival records can be incomplete, forged, or misinterpreted, leaving room for scholarly debate.123
• Case-by-Case Complexity: Because the art market is vast and varied, there is no universal standard for authentication. Experts often reach different conclusions based on the same evidence, particularly when dealing with prolific artists or works in poor condition that have undergone extensive restoration.23