Blurb:

In this chapter, Alexander complicates notions of authenticity as they pertain to the world of art, art conservation and preservation, and art forgeries. Comparing two relatively recent examples of art restoration, she explores what’s at stake in achieving an “authentic” restoration that maintains what is claimed to be the “intention” of the artist. Working through these examples, Alexander considers how and when the rhetoric of authenticity is employed and explores how such claims are often linked to the purported value of the artwork rather than the “authentic” quality of the piece.