Unveiling Artists: Tips To Identify Painting Creators

Identifying the artist of a painting can be a challenging endeavour, requiring careful examination and detective work. The process often involves scrutinising the painting for clues, such as signatures, monograms, or labels that can provide insights into the artist's identity. In some cases, the subject matter, style, or location depicted in the painting may offer valuable hints. Additionally, the materials used, such as the canvas or panel, can suggest a particular artist or time period. When visible signatures are present, online searches by name or even just initials can be effective. For unsigned works, consulting experts, such as art history teachers or gallery owners, can be beneficial. Online communities and art enthusiasts can also be a valuable resource for identifying paintings.

Examine the painting for monograms, signatures, or stamps

When examining a painting, it is important to look for monograms, signatures, or stamps, as these can provide valuable clues about the artist. Many artists sign their paintings with their full signature, initials, or monograms, which can often be found in the corners on the front of the painting or, less commonly, on the back. Signatures can sometimes be stylized or difficult to read, so it may be necessary to try different letter combinations or consult a dictionary of artist signatures and monograms, such as those found in reference books or online databases that provide images of artists' signatures, such as Davenport's Art Reference & Price Guide or The Art Signature File. These resources can help match the signature to a particular artist, even if only a few letters are legible.

The process of identifying the artist through monograms, signatures, or stamps can be challenging, especially when dealing with stylized or indistinct marks. It may require careful examination, including removing the painting from its frame to get a clearer view. In some cases, consulting experts, such as art history teachers or museum curators, can be beneficial. Additionally, understanding the subject matter and style of the painting can provide additional context for attribution. While monograms and signatures may not always be present or easily identifiable, they remain valuable tools in the process of art research and authentication.

Signatures on a painting can be a crucial tool in identifying the artist. Many artists sign their paintings, and these signatures can be found in various locations. They are often placed in one of the corners on the front of the painting, but they can also be on the back. If the signature is clear and legible, a simple online search by entering the artist's name followed by the word "painting" can yield results. However, some signatures may be stylized, highly decorative, or difficult to decipher. In such cases, it is worth consulting reference books or online databases that provide images of artists' signatures, such as Davenport's Art Reference & Price Guide or The Art Signature File. These resources can help match the signature to a particular artist, even if only a few letters are legible.

Monograms, which typically consist of an artist's initials, can also be used to identify the creator of a painting. Monograms may be more challenging to interpret than full signatures, as they often involve stylized letters or unique arrangements. Similar to signatures, there are online and print resources dedicated to helping decipher monograms. Websites like artistssignatures.com offer search functions based on monograms, and there are also artist's monogram dictionaries available in print or online. Additionally, some online databases and websites allow for searches using partial monograms or different letter arrangements, as monograms may not always be easily discernible.

Stamps on a painting can provide valuable information about the artist, though they may not directly bear the artist's name. Stamps on the back of the canvas or the stretcher bars can indicate the supplier of the materials used in the painting. By identifying the supplier, it is possible to determine the country of origin and approximate time period of the painting. Certain artists are known to have used specific suppliers, so this information can aid in authenticating the work and attributing it to a particular artist. Stamps can be considered as part of the broader category of "marks" on a painting, which also include gallery and exhibition labels, which can provide additional research directions.

Research the painting's history

Researching the history of a painting can be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some strategies to help you in your investigation:

Start with What You Know

Begin your research by gathering as much information as you can about the painting. This includes the title or subject of the work, its approximate date and place of creation, and how long it has been in your or your family's possession. Check family records, interview relatives, and speak to previous owners if possible.

Examine the Painting for Clues

Look for any stamps, watermarks, or signatures on the painting itself. Stamps on the back of the canvas or stretcher bars can help identify the supplier of the materials used, which can, in turn, provide clues about the country of origin and the time period of the painting. Watermarks on the paper can also help place the work chronologically and geographically. Even if the signature is faint or illegible, reference tools like Davenport's Art Reference & Price Guide and The Art Signature File can help decipher and match it to an artist.

Identify the Artistic Movement and Style

Determining the artistic movement and style of the painting can be a powerful way to narrow down your search. Artistic movements group artists who share similar qualities in their works. For example, Expressionism and Impressionism are characterised by expressive brush strokes and colours that aren't always accurate. Impressionist paintings also typically feature small, visible brushstrokes that focus on the representation of light.

Utilise Image Recognition Technology

Take advantage of image recognition apps like Smartify and Magnus, which allow you to snap a photo of the painting and search through museum catalogues, university databases, and art history texts. These apps can provide valuable information about the artist, composition, and background of the work.

Consult Art Databases and Encyclopedias

Explore art databases such as ARTstor, which boasts a comprehensive collection of over a million images of art and architecture spanning all mediums, cultures, and time periods. Additionally, refer to art encyclopedias, artist bibliographical dictionaries, exhibition guides, auction indexes, and catalogues raisonnés, which list all the known works of an artist in a particular medium or across all media.

Seek Expert Advice

If you have a large collection of paintings by an unknown artist, consider contacting an art dealer, museum curator, or art historian for their expertise. They may be able to provide insights or direct you to valuable resources. Remember, the process of researching a painting's history can be challenging, but with persistence and a bit of detective work, you may uncover fascinating insights and valuable information.

Search for the painting via Google's image search engine

Google's image search engine is a powerful tool that can help you identify the artist of a painting. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Prepare the Image

Firstly, you'll need to have a digital copy of the painting you want to identify. Take a clear, well-lit photograph of the painting, ensuring that only the frame is visible and there are no distractions or flash reflections in the image. You can use an image-editing program to crop and adjust the photo as needed. Save the image as a standard JPEG file format, which is commonly supported by most search engines.

Use Google Image Search

Now, open your preferred web browser and go to the Google homepage (www.google.com). Click on the "Images" link, usually found at the top right of the page. You'll then be taken to Google's image search section. Here, you can simply drag and drop your saved image into the search box, or you can use the "Upload an image" option to browse and select your file.

Review the Results

Once you've performed the search, Google will present you with a list of similar images and related websites. Examine the thumbnails and links provided, looking for matches or similar paintings. Follow the links to explore pages where these images are found, as they may contain valuable information about the artist, painting title, and other technical details. Sometimes, you may need to dig a little deeper by visiting the websites or exploring the books or collections where these images are referenced.

Additional Tips

Identifying a painting can be challenging, especially if it's an unknown or obscure work. Here are some extra tips to enhance your search:

• Artistic Movement: Try to identify the artistic movement or style of the painting. Determine if it falls into categories like Neoclassicism, Expressionism, Impressionism, Realism, Abstract, or Experimental. This can help narrow down your search, as artists are often grouped within their respective movements.
• Signatures or Monograms: Look for any signatures or monograms in the corners of the painting. Even if the name is hard to read, you can search for similar-looking letters to narrow down your options.
• Painting Characteristics: Consider the characteristics of the painting, such as the use of acrylic paint, which indicates a creation date after 1940.
• Alternative Tools: Besides Google, there are other reverse image search engines like TinEye, as well as art-focused apps like Smartify and Google Lens, that can aid in identifying paintings and providing educational content.

Remember, while Google's image search engine is a valuable tool, it may not always yield accurate results, especially when searching for photographs of paintings. However, with a bit of patience and some investigative skills, you can increase your chances of successfully identifying the artist behind that intriguing painting.

Ask an expert in the field

If you're trying to figure out the artist of a painting, one of the best things you can do is ask an expert in the field of art. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

Find the Right Expert

Reach out to a museum curator, art history teacher or professor, or a gallery owner. If you know the style of the painting, consider contacting a gallery that specialises in that type of art. For example, if the painting is contemporary and abstract, a gallery owner who focuses on newer artists may be able to help.

Provide Detailed Information

When you contact the expert, be sure to provide as much information about the painting as possible. This includes high-quality images of the front and back of the painting, as well as any inscriptions, labels, dealer numbers, collector's marks, or other markings you can find. If the painting has a frame, look for any marks or inscriptions there as well.

Seek Help with Identification

If you're unable to find an expert to help, consider using online resources to identify the painting yourself. Look for websites that allow you to search for artists by name, monogram, or initials. You can also try using image recognition apps or running a reverse image search to see if the painting has been catalogued by museums or art historians.

Understand the Artistic Movement

Try to identify the artistic movement the painting belongs to. This can help narrow down your search, as artists from the same movement often share similar qualities. For example, Expressionist and Impressionist paintings tend to have expressive brush strokes and colours that aren't accurate, while Realism aims for a more photographic representation.

Consider the Subject Matter

Pay attention to the subject matter of the painting. Are there any time-specific components, such as a train, company logo, or digital clock, that can help narrow down the date of the painting's creation? This can help eliminate artists who were not active during that time period.

By following these steps and working with an expert in the field, you'll be well on your way to figuring out the artist of your painting.

Look for clues on the back of the painting

The back of a painting can contain a wealth of information and clues to help identify its artist. Firstly, it is important to carefully examine the back of the painting or panel. The artist's signature or a monogram of their initials may be found on the back. In some cases, you may need to remove the painting from its frame to get a clearer look, so take care not to damage the artwork.

Stamps and labels from suppliers may also be found on the back, containing the names and addresses of their businesses. Reference lists, such as supplier directories, can be used to track down this information and help establish when and where the work was created. For example, the brand of the city of Antwerp, featuring a pair of hands above a castle, was found stamped on the back of a painting. This mark dates from 1617 and was implemented by the Antwerp Joiners' Guild, who required all joiners to punch their mark on frames and panels.

Additionally, handwritten notes by the artist or even a second picture may be discovered on the reverse, adding significant value to the painting. These notes may include instructions on the correct orientation of the artwork. For instance, an arrow indicating the top of the painting was found on the back of a work by Richard Diebenkorn. Furthermore, the condition of the back of the painting can provide clues about its storage environment and history. Major cracks might indicate display in hot, dry conditions, while warped stretchers could suggest previous placement in a humid environment.

In some cases, the back of a painting may simply provide the address of the previous owner or other identifying information, as seen in the case of a painting with the address of an art supply store, Favor Ruhl, on its reverse. This information can help determine the painting's age, as in this example, where the store was known to be in operation from as early as 1900 to the 1970s.

Finally, if the painting has been purchased, there may be auction house stickers or stamps on the back, which can be used to research the painting's provenance and history.

Frequently asked questions