Laboratory for dating and analysis of art objects

Ceramics, terracotta, porcelain and earthenware are analyzed using the thermoluminescence (TL) test, which makes it possible to date the material's last firing. This method relies on the ability of quartz and feldspar crystals to accumulate and return irradiation in the form of light, which is proportional to time.

CIRAM has a dedicated laboratory where our experts carry out this test to estimate the age of the object and thus authenticate ceramics and terracottas.

Although it's impossible to scientifically date a piece of metal art, we can authenticate and provide an age test for all your metal objects.

We precisely identify the elemental composition of alloys and detect formal signs of modernity (presence of aluminum, phosphorus or chromium in bronze, or manganese in iron). The study of patina and internal structure offers a comprehensive and reliable analysis.

Our methods, adapted to each metal, offer scientific expertise to authenticate and evaluate the age of your art objects.

The dating of a painting raises a number of issues relating to its authenticity. At CIRAM, we begin by carbon-14 dating the support (canvas, wood, paper), to verify its chronological compatibility with the painter's period of activity. This analysis can also lead to the reattribution of a work.

At the same time, we carry out in-depth studies of painting techniques in the laboratory, looking for signatures, highlighting preparatory drawings, identifying areas of restoration and repentance, and characterizing the pigments and binders used.

Carbon-14 dating of objects made of ivory, wood, paper or canvas is a key step in authenticating works of art. It enables us to estimate the age of the material, but is not always sufficient on its own. It can be complemented by xylological analysis, which identifies the wood species and provides clues as to its geographical origin.

Other examinations such as X-ray radiography or 3D scanning reveal the internal structure, restored areas or hidden elements, enriching the overall expertise.

For glass and enamels, our analyses cover composition, state of alteration and origin of alteration. These data enable us to assess the age of an object, particularly in the context of a museum acquisition.

The study is based on a combination of laboratory techniques (optical and electronic microscopy, imaging), carried out by specialized scientists. Each method reveals precise information which, when combined, provides a solid set of clues to determine whether the object is antique or modern, and thus contribute to its authentication.

It's important to distinguish between the dating of the stone as a raw material and that of the sculpted work. What generally matters is the chronology of creation. However, methods such as carbon-14 do not apply to minerals. Analysis is carried out in the laboratory, on the basis of samples taken. Stone, a material that does not change much, is studied on works that are at least 300 years old.

These studies enable us to authenticate the object, guide its restoration, and identify certain rare minerals, such as rock crystal, analyzed exclusively by CIRAM laboratories.