Art and Collectibles - Protecting Art, Artists and Collectors

Applied DNA Sciences has developed its SigNature™ Program to help protect works of art, artists and art collectors from counterfeiting. Based on our proprietary DNA embedment and authentication system, this program can help to protect works of art and the provenance documentation. Paintings, porcelain, marble, rare books, tapestries and many other kinds of fine art can be protected utilizing the SigNature™ Program. This program can be very useful to insurers, museums and art galleries in tracking, documenting and authenticating, the many artworks that may be transported to different locations throughout the world.

Establishing Provenance
Numerous works of art are offered for sale with fake or questionable signatures or attributions. Unscrupulous sellers often claim to have “provenance” or documented ownership histories that confirm the authenticity of their art. Provenance almost always increases the value and desirability of a work of art because, first and foremost, it authenticates the art. Good provenance also provides important information about and insight into a work of art's history. Unscrupulous sellers know the value of provenance and often go to great lengths to produce false provenance for their art.

Our SigNature™ DNA Markers can also be embedded in any original supporting documentation related to the artwork or collectible, the signature of the artist and any other relevant material that would provide provenance, such as:


  • A signed certificate or statement of authenticity from a respected authority or expert on the artist;

  • An exhibition or gallery sticker attached to the art or collectible;

  • An original sales receipt;

  • A film or recording of the artist talking about the art or collectible;

  • An appraisal from a recognized authority or expert on the art or collectible; or

  • Letters or papers from recognized experts or authorities discussing the art or collectible.



Preventing Counterfeits
Artwork is particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting, forgeries and fraud. Forgery of ceramics, sculptures, paintings, textiles and other artifacts has accordingly encompassed

  • production of a new work that is then passed off as being of a particular period

  • piecing together of authentic fragments to simulate an original

  • “improvement” of existing works



However, if an artwork and the provenance documentation were both protected with a DNA embedded mark, it would provide scientific proof and authentication. It would be an invaluable method in preventing counterfeiting of art.

  • Estate/Collection Identification: DNA used to mark art pieces, providing absolute proof of ownership.

  • Artist Originality Authentication: DNA used to mark art pieces, providing absolute proof of artist, and originality. Unique DNA sequences can be constructed using the artist’s DNA.

  • Gallery Provenance Mark: Every piece managed by a gallery might bear a unique registration mark comprised of plant DNA, or human DNA (the artist’s), or a combination.


For more information about how SigNature™ can help to protect works of art, please click here.