As the values of art works soars so has the incentive to become a forger.  At the same time, authentication committees and scholars have stopped providing opinions after suffering punishing legal costs to defend themselves from displeased art owners looking to the courts to challenge authentication doubts.  Scientific analysis is an objective criterion and James Martin of Orion Analytical is a leading expert in forensic art analysis. This piece by the Guardian offers a look at the methods Martin employs in his work and how he became a world class expert.  Sotheby’s recently acquired Orion to bring Martin’s expertise in house in their efforts to reduce post-sale authentication challenges.  In other words, Martin helps to spot the fakes before they are sold which gives buyers more confidence and the auction house has less risk to their bottom line.  Click here to read more.