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The Ethnology Notebooks. 2025. № 6 (186), 1519—1532

UDK 75.021.3:004.056:351.853

DOI https://doi.org/10.15407/

THE PROBLEM OF PROTECTING OF ARTWORKS FROM THEFT AND COUNTERFEITING USING INVISIBLE MARKING

BEVZ Mykola

  • ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1513-7045
  • ScD (Arch.), Professor, Professor of Department
  • of Conservation of Monuments,
  • Lublin University of Technology,
  • 40, Nadbystrzycka st., Lublin 20-618, Poland;
  • Head of Department of Architecture and Conservation,
  • Lviv Polytechnic National University,
  • 12, Bandera str., 79013, Lviv, Ukraine,
  • Contacts: e-mail: m.bevz@pollub.pl

CHUKHRAY Nataliya

  • ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2129-3143
  • ScD (Econ.), Professor,
  • Head of Department
  • of Management of Organization,
  • Lviv Polytechnic National University,
  • 12, Bandery str., 79013, Lviv, Ukraine,
  • Contacts: e-mail: natalia.i.chuhray@lpnu.ua

MIRABILE Antonio

  • ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8676-1828
  • Paper Conservator,
  • accredited by French Ministry of Culture, UNESCO expert,
  • 11, Rue de Bellefond, 75009, Paris, France,
  • Contacts: e-mail: antonio.mirabile@gmail.com

Abstract. Relevance. Currently, there is a standard requirement in the museum sector to mark exhibits with identification information, including artworks. These markers must contain the museum’s abbreviation and the inventory number of the work of art. Usually, these markers are applied in pencil or ink and placed in a visible location to ensure they can be found quickly. Their location, color, and application technique are regulated by the museum’s internal protocols. In addition to these visible markings, many museums also use their own invisible identifiers to protect against theft and forgery. However, a standardized approach to such markers has not yet emerged.

The aim of the study is to analyze different types of artworks and identify how invisible marking can be applied to them in terms of effective protection and minimal impact on the artwork itself.

The objects of the study are various types of artworks found in museum collections (from coins or medals to paintings or sculptures). The research methodology involves a review of the most accessible methods of invisible marking. A comparative analysis of the protection of various works of art using chemical markers was performed.

Results. Analysis of various types of works of art and museum objects revealed difficulties associated with determining the optimal placement and size of invisible chemical markers. These markers serve as a deterrent against theft and play a decisive role in the detection and return of lost or stolen items. Each work of art should be marked with a unique code or digital identifier using fluorescent mapping technology. This system allows the marker to be read using portable devices. The results of the analysis indicate that the key issue is that markers should be applied to the artwork itself, rather than to frames or attached labels. Tests carried out as part of the European research project «AURORA» have experimentally confirmed the feasibility of using cost-effective, durable chemical markers.

Conclusions. Specific requirements for the methodology of applying chemical markers and their size have been formulated. Recommendations have been developed for selecting the location for applying markers depending on the type of artwork. To determine the optimal marking location, a preliminary in-depth analysis of the work should be performed. The analysis should include knowledge of the material or materials from which the work is made, their durability, their stability, etc. The marking location should be the point of least threat to the valuable characteristics of the work and, at the same time, be a sufficiently important point of identification. Depending on the optimal marking location selected, the appropriate shape and size of the chemical marker must be determined in advance. The type, shape, and size of the marker depend on the work of art itself. Marking can be applied manually or mechanically. The form of marking can vary from a dispersed dot structure to a stamp with an inscription, sign, logo, or QR code.

Keywords: artwork, chemical marking, anti-counterfeiting, theft protection.

Received 10.11.2025

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