craquelure

craquelure krăklo͝orˈ [key], hairline surface cracking of paintings into characteristic patterns determined by age, climatic conditions, and the materials used in the work. Cracking was so common in works by 18th-century English painters that it became known as craquelure anglaise. Forgers and restorers often imitate craquelure to enhance the look of authenticity in their works.

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