The Forensic Eye presented by Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe

Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe trained as a paintings conservator and then moved into art history, working for Sothebys. She has been a lecturer in Old Master Paintings at Sothebys Institute of Art for over 30 years. She has also lectured for a number of institutions in London and elsewhere, including the National Gallery, the Royal Academy, the Wallace Collection and the Arts Society. Her particular interest is in demonstrating how to analyse the subtle stylistic features of a painting that tell us who the artist might be and whether we might be looking at a copy.Lecture 1 How much do we notice when standing in front of a painting? How much more could we appreciate a work of art if we have a check- list of things to look for? In this first session we will consider many of the basic stylistic features of paintings, from colouring to the use of different pigments and light.Lecture 2 In this lecture we will look at various forms of deception and ask whether we are seeing what the artist produced, or whether there have been subsequent alterations. Are paintings by one artist or produced by workshop assistants, later admirers, or even forgers? Determining whether a painting is an original, a copy or a forgery is one of the most difficult jobs in the art world. The audience will have an opportunity to distinguish originals from copies and to identify forgeries.Lecture 3 The first talks look at a number of physical and stylistic features that make it possible for us to identify the date, place of production and art background of an artist. This final talk will examine a specific group of artists and give the audience a chance to try out their budding connoisseurial skills of recognition.Lecture 1 10.15 -11.15
Coffee 11.15 -11.45
Lecture 2 11.45 -12.45
Lunch 12.45 -14.00
Lecture 3 14.00 -15.00
Close 15.00Lunch is not provided.