This paper attempts a general analysis of the kinds of people who have an effect on paintings. It looks at the nature of the interactions between people and paintings, and assesses the changes to the paintings which result from the interactions. The focus narrows to examine the particular ways in which curators, conservators, and conservation scientists have an effect on paintings as a consequence of their professional involvement with them. Examples are given where the meaning of the art has been distorted by the actions of later hands - acting sometimes in well meaning but misguided ways, and other time with the intent to deceive. Some examples are used to illustrate the dilemmas which have to be face by curators and conservators, in weighing theoptions open to them when considering future conservation approaches.