Antiques Roadshow Detours Is This a Letdown? - How a Galileo forgery found at the University of Michigan led to a historical hunt for answers
Feb 20, 2023
Join historian Nick Wilding from Georgia State University, an expert in forgeries, and appraiser Francis Walgren as they delve into the revelation of a fake Galileo manuscript at the University of Michigan. They explore how such a convincing forgery can escape scrutiny, the emotional impact on collectors, and the complexities of proving authenticity. With a mixture of humor and candid storytelling, they reflect on the significant implications of forgeries, the importance of provenance, and the ongoing quest to get history right.
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Galileo's Scientific Breakthroughs
- Galileo's scientific legacy shines in his discoveries about Jupiter's moons and planetary phases.
- His empirical evidence changed the understanding of the universe's structure dramatically.
Authenticity Through Astronomical Data
- Multiple versions of Galileo's drafts with differing data raise authenticity questions.
- Accurate astronomical data alignment helps validate genuine manuscripts.
Watermarks Reveal Forgery Dates
- Paper watermarks provide crucial clues to date historical manuscripts.
- Modern watermarks on purportedly ancient documents reveal forgeries.
