Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries DVD

Pictures are often not what they seem; to truly understand a painting, experts have to look beyond the painted surface. In this fascinating film, artist and educator James Heard explains the structure of paintings, from the medium and supplort to underdrawing, and introduces the range of technology and scientific methods that are used to examine them - revealing a fascinating and often puzzling hidden history lying beneath the layers of paint.

• An exclusive look behind the scenes at the National Gallery, showing different methods of scientific examination
• Features artists from Rembrandt to Renoir
• Discover curious deceptions and discoveries in paintings and how they inform and enhance our enjoyment of art

About 35 minutes • Region free • Widescreen • English subtitles