Discover Artists: Deciphering Painting Signatures

A painting's signature is often one of the best ways to identify its artist. Artists often sign their work in one of the corners on the front, though sometimes signatures can be found on the back. If the signature is legible, a simple online search may be sufficient to identify the artist. If the signature is unclear, there are other methods to try, such as using a signature dictionary or one of the many websites that allow you to identify artist signatures by photo. These websites often allow for vague search details, such as one or two letters in the artist's signature or monogram, and can be used on smartphones and tablet devices.

Use online databases to search for the signature

There are several online databases that can help you identify an artist's signature. ArtistsSignatures.com, for example, offers a powerful character match search engine that allows you to enter vague details such as one or two letters in the artist's signature or monogram and returns all possible matches. This website offers free access to over 100,000+ artist directory listings and is the most updated source for artists' birth and death years.

Another option is to use Google to identify artist signatures by photo. Take a well-lit photo of the signature and crop the image so that only the signature is visible. Then, search for this image on Google to find any similar images that may help identify the artist. Google Lens, an app that uses image recognition technology to scan art databases with millions of images, can also be used for a more art-oriented search.

Additionally, Signet Art has built an Artist Signature Library over the last few years, which you can search to find authentic signatures of many artists.

It is also worth noting that many other apps are available specifically for identifying paintings and other artworks using image recognition software, such as the Magnus app.

Crop and upload the painting to Google Images

If you have a painting with a signature that you can't quite decipher, you may be able to find the artist by cropping the signature section of the painting and uploading it to Google Images. This will allow you to compare the signature to others online and potentially find a match.

• Take a clear, well-lit photo of the signature on the painting.
• Open the photo in an image editing program or application.
• Crop the image to focus on the signature:

• In Google Slides, for example, you can click on the image and then click the "Crop" button.
• You can then drag the corners of the cropping box to select the area you want to keep.

• Save the cropped image.
• Go to the Google Images website.
• Click on the camera icon in the search bar to search by image.
• Upload your cropped image file by selecting it from your files.

Once you have uploaded the image, Google Images will search for visually similar images and may be able to provide information about the artist's signature. You can also try this process with other search engines and image recognition tools, such as those offered by specialist art appraisal websites. These sites often have databases of artist signatures that you can search through.

Remember that the accuracy of the results will depend on the legibility of the signature and the comprehensiveness of the database being searched. It may be helpful to try multiple search engines and tools to increase your chances of finding a match.

Try Google Lens for art-specific searches

If you're looking to identify a painting by its signature, there are a few online tools that can help. ArtistsSignatures.com, for example, is a fine art research and signature discovery service. It has a database of over 100,000 artist directory listings and a powerful character match search engine. This engine allows you to search for artists by entering vague details such as one or two letters from an illegible signature. Artist Signature Library by Signet Art is another similar resource that has built a library of authentic signatures from the artworks they've appraised over the last 27 years.

However, if you're looking for a free alternative, Google Lens is a great option for art-specific searches. It is an image recognition software by Google that can identify everything from buildings and animals to clothes, plants, and works of art. You can use Google Lens to find a painting by its signature by following these steps:

• Open the Google Lens app on your phone or access it via the Chrome browser on your desktop.
• If you're using the app, you can take a picture of the painting's signature or upload an existing image. If you're using Chrome, right-click on the image and select "Search Image with Google Lens".
• Google Lens will then analyze the image and provide you with information about the painting, including the artist's name, the painting's title, and any other relevant details.

Google Lens is designed to make finding information online more visual and accessible. It can be a useful tool for identifying art, especially when combined with other search methods.

Look for monograms or initials

If you are trying to identify an artist by their signature on a painting, one of the first things you can do is look for monograms or initials. These are often placed in inconspicuous areas of the painting, such as the corner or the back. Foundry or fabricator signatures on sculptures, for example, typically appear on the base.

If you have a painting with a monogram or initials, you can try to identify the artist by using an artist signature dictionary or an online database. These resources list monograms and signatures alphabetically, allowing you to search for various combinations of initials. Some databases include ArtistsSignatures.com, Artist's Signatures, and the Artist Signature Library. You can also refer to published directories, such as the ones edited by John Castagno, Peter Hastings Falk, Radway Jackson, and Alexander W. Katlan.

It's important to note that not all names found on an artwork belong to the artist. Previous owners may have signed their names, for instance. Additionally, the foundry or fabricator's name may appear on cast or fabricated sculptures, and the material supplier's name could also be present. To identify these marks, you can refer to foundry and material supplier dictionaries.

Consult a fine art specialist

If you have a painting with an unknown artist and want to identify them by their signature, one of the best steps to take is to consult a fine art specialist. These professionals have the knowledge and expertise to help you uncover the mystery behind the painting. Here are some reasons why consulting a fine art specialist is a valuable approach:

Expert Knowledge

Fine art specialists, such as appraisers and consultants, possess extensive knowledge about art and artists. They have dedicated their careers to studying and understanding the intricacies of the art world. This expertise includes a deep understanding of artistic styles, techniques, and, most importantly, artist signatures. They may be able to identify the artist based on their signature or provide valuable insights that can guide your search.

Access to Resources

Fine art specialists often have access to exclusive resources and databases that can aid in identifying artist signatures. These resources include comprehensive artist directories, signature libraries, and reference books. For example, the Benezit Dictionary of Artists is a renowned resource containing biographies, auction records, exhibition histories, and over 11,000 images of artists' signatures. Fine art specialists can efficiently navigate these resources and maximise the chances of identifying the artist.

Authentication and Appraisal

When consulting a fine art specialist, they can not only help identify the artist but also provide authentication and appraisal services. Authentication ensures the painting's attribution to a particular artist and verifies its authenticity. Appraisal, on the other hand, involves determining the value of the artwork. These services are crucial if you intend to insure, sell, or simply understand the worth of the painting.

Network and Connections

Fine art specialists are often well-connected within the art world. They may have relationships with galleries, auction houses, art historians, and other experts. By leveraging their network, they can gather insights, compare similar cases, and access additional resources to aid in identifying the artist. Their connections can open doors to information that may not be readily available to the general public.

Advisory and Consultation

Consulting a fine art specialist offers a personalised advisory service. They can guide you through the entire process of artist identification, signature interpretation, and any subsequent steps you may wish to take. They can advise on the best courses of action, potential restoration or conservation needs, and even provide recommendations for displaying or selling the artwork if desired.

In conclusion, consulting a fine art specialist is a comprehensive approach to identifying an artist by their signature on a painting. Their expertise, resources, and industry connections can provide valuable insights and increase the likelihood of successfully uncovering the artist's identity. If you have a painting with an intriguing signature, consider reaching out to a fine art specialist to begin your journey of discovery and appreciation.

Frequently asked questions