Critical Works Database
The database of critical works is an initiative of the Bundesverband deutscher Kunstversteigerer e. V. (BDK), in which a total of 34 auction houses are members.
The Critical Works Database is a database of works of art whose provenance is unclear or whose authenticity is in doubt. The term art forgery is deliberately replaced by the term critical work . The project was started in 2005 on the initiative of the Federal Association of German Art Auctioneers (BDK) and Markus Eisenbeis ( Van Ham Art Auctions) and serves as an internal tool against the trade in art forgeries. This type of database is so far unique internationally, but from a data protection point of view it is sometimes not without problems.
In order to create a scientific and solid foundation for the database, various art bequests, archives and authors of work directories were involved. If a work of art is not accepted in an auction house or gallery due to legitimate doubts, it will be added to the database.