Well, if we want to separate the genuine from the fabricated, we start with the data. Check the file’s metadata for timestamps, camera model, and any embedded EXIF info – that can already flag a modern trick. Next, look at the pixel distribution: a real old print will show uneven noise, ink bleed, and a certain level of compression artifacts that digital manipulation often smooths out. Compare color profiles; vintage inks and paper have characteristic yellowing or fading that a digital overlay rarely mimics exactly. Finally, cross‑reference the scene with archival records or known prints – if the setting or style matches a period photograph, that’s a good sign. It’s a little like piecing together a crime scene: small clues build the whole picture.