Handwriting expertise of writing heritage objects at scientific library (based on materials of expert researches made at Kharkiv Korolenko State Scientific Library)

Abstract

The aim of the work is to highlight the specifics of the handwriting expertise of writing heritage objects based on the experience of expert researches made at Kharkiv Korolenko State Scientific Library. The methodology of the research is based on the application of systematic approach, historical and comparative methods, the principles of the general theory of expertise and appraisal of documentary heritage objects value, methods and techniques of their paleographic and handwriting studying. Scientific novelty lies in disclosure of the specific features of the objects, tasks and stages of the handwriting expertise of writing heritage objects at a scientific library. Conclusions. A handwriting expertise of writing materials takes place at a scientific library and also at archives and museum in the cases when a problem situation arises and it is necessary to find out whether the handwriting object is an autograph or it was created on behalf or under the name of a certain person, i. e. a copy made by another person / persons, in particular, an imitation handwriting copy (museum, collection dummy sample, falsification). The object of historical handwriting studies is handwriting in writing heritage objects and in writing components of documentary and other cultural heritage objects. Historical handwriting studies is defined in the article as a section of handwriting studies and a section of paleography closely related to the main sections of this special historical discipline. Individual characteristics of handwriting are studied in the context of historical types and kinds of writing and other paleographic data but in the framework of the handwriting expertise tasks. Therefore, the main aim of the expert is to identify the author of the historical handwriting material. The research reveals the scientific and practical significance, the specific features of the tasks and stages of handwriting expertise of writing heritage objects as a research event taking into account the features and properties of handwriting heritage objects of different types, combination of individual handwriting characteristics with historical writing forms. It is proved that the results of the handwriting expertise of writing heritage objects may be a determinant factor when ascertaining a degree of their scientific, historic and cultural value, a basis for further scientific disclosure of library collections of heritage objects.

Keywords

• expertise, handwriting object, handwriting heritage object, autograph, copy, falsification, kharkiv korolenko state scientific library.