Belgian Art Fakes

What stands out in the wood panels of the Flemish Primitives is the immaculate precision of detail and the translucence of light that survived centuries from the Middle Ages to this day. Now, the Groeninge Museum - home to some of the greatest works of the 15th-century Flemish masters - wants you to take a closer look. Some of the Primitives may not be what they seem. A stunning new art show, Fake or Not Fake, assesses the darker side of art restoration during the mid-20th century, when some great craftsmen stepped beyond the entrusted task of retouching and succumbed to "hyper-restoration" - and, curators say, even painted sheer art fakes. Even if some may be outraged, a younger generation raised on digital enhancers may take it well in stride. "You would not know the difference," said one visitor. "I don't feel cheated." Fake or Not Fake at the Groeninge Museum through Feb. 28. For the full story - click the title Irish Art