Lena Rivera
There are several ways to tell the difference between a copy painting and an original. One way is to examine the surface of the painting with a magnifying glass or a high-quality smartphone camera. Prints often consist of tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern, whereas original paintings will have brushstrokes and a rough surface when viewed from an angle. The material of the canvas can also be a clue—certain materials have a specific look and feel that can indicate the painting's age. Another way to spot a print is to look for a stock identification number on the back of the artwork. Original paintings are typically one-of-a-kind or part of a series of images approved by the artist, and they may be signed and numbered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface texture | Originals will have brushstrokes, swirls, skips, and buildups. Copies will have a uniform canvas texture. |
| Dots under magnification | Copies are often made up of tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern. |
| Mounting | Originals are usually on canvas or stretcher bars. Copies may be mounted on cardboard or another kind of board. |
| Artist's signature | Originals will have a hand-written signature, often with the edition number and date. |
| Edition number | Originals will have an edition number, e.g. 5/15, indicating the fifth work of a series of 15. |
| Copyright symbol | A copyright symbol followed by a date may indicate a reproduction, but this is not a sure sign. |
| Value | Originals are usually worth more than limited-edition prints, which are worth more than open-edition reproductions. |
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What You'll Learn
Examine the canvas texture
Examining the texture of the canvas is a crucial step in determining whether a painting is an original or a copy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Firstly, it is important to understand the differences between original paintings and reproductions in terms of canvas texture. Originals are typically painted directly on the canvas, resulting in a textured surface with visible brushstrokes, swirls, skips, buildups, and other variations. In contrast, reproductions, such as giclée prints, often have a uniform canvas texture due to the way the ink seeps into the canvas during the printing process.
Next, carefully inspect the surface of the painting. Look for signs of raised brush strokes, impasto (thick layers of paint), or other textural variations. Originals will often exhibit these characteristics, while reproductions may have a flatter, more consistent texture. If you notice areas of raised paint, this is a good indication that the painting is an original.
Additionally, use your sense of touch. Run your hand gently over the surface of the artwork. If the paint feels like it is resting on top of the canvas with a noticeable texture, it is more likely to be an original. On the other hand, if the paint feels absorbed into the canvas, creating a smoother surface, it may be a reproduction. This is because reproductions often use ink that soaks into the canvas, resulting in a less textured surface.
Examine the edges of the painting. If it is a print that has been adhered to a canvas, there may be signs of the print peeling back, or you may notice a clear line where the print does not extend to the stretcher bars. This is a tell-tale sign that the artwork is a reproduction.
Finally, use a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera with magnification or zoom capabilities to closely inspect the surface. Prints, especially lower-quality ones, may exhibit tiny coloured dots or a dot pattern, which is a strong indication of a photomechanical reproduction. However, do note that higher-quality reproductions, such as giclée prints, may not exhibit this dot pattern and can be more challenging to identify solely based on visual inspection.
By carefully following these steps and examining the canvas texture, you can gain valuable insights into whether a painting is an original or a copy. However, it is important to note that these are guidelines, and in some cases, further expert analysis may be required for a definitive conclusion.
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Look for a dot pattern
One of the ways to determine whether a painting is an original or a reproduction is to inspect its surface for a dot pattern. A dot pattern can be indicative of a photomechanical reproduction, where the artwork has been reproduced using a printing press or a printer.
To identify a dot pattern, one may need to examine the painting closely, and in some cases, a magnifying glass or loupe may be required. If the painting is a print, it will likely have a smooth surface, and the dot pattern will be visible, especially in the darker areas of the piece. The dot pattern may resemble the technique used in comic book illustrations and newspaper photos, but more refined.
However, it is important to note that not all reproductions will have visible dot patterns. Giclee prints, for example, are high-quality reproductions made using an Iris digital inkjet printer, producing extremely small pixels of colour with no perceptible dot pattern. Giclee prints may have hand-applied paint by the artist, making them even harder to distinguish from original paintings.
Other methods to authenticate a painting include examining the brushstrokes, texture, signature, provenance, and materials used. Consulting an expert appraiser, art historian, or auction house can also help determine the authenticity of a painting.
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Check the signature
The artist's signature is often used to authenticate a painting. When examining a signature, it is important to compare it to other known works by the artist. If the signature is significantly different, it may be a sign that the painting is not authentic. However, it is worth noting that some artists may change their signature over time, so this is not always a reliable indicator.
To begin, check the placement of the signature. The placement of the signature can give clues to the artist's style and can help determine if the painting is a reproduction or forgery. For example, a signature that seems too neat or perfect for the artist's style may be a red flag. Additionally, the position of the signature—whether in the corner, along the edge, or hidden within the artwork—can vary depending on the artist.
Next, pay attention to any added details in the signature, such as a date, year, location, or initials. Many artists include the year and sometimes the location in their signatures, which can help to date the work and verify its authenticity. A date, especially on older paintings, can help trace the history of the artwork.
If you struggle to read a signature, it is helpful to compare it with other works by the artist to gain familiarity with their signature style. You can also consult databases that track artists' signatures and works, such as Artnet, The Art Signature Dictionary, or Artist's Signatures.
Finally, it is important to remember that while the signature is a crucial aspect of authentication, it should not be the only factor considered. The authenticity of a painting also depends on materials, style, and historical context. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult an expert or appraiser specializing in that artist to authenticate the signature and the painting as a whole.
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Inspect the mounting
Inspecting the mounting of a painting is a critical step in determining its authenticity. Here are some detailed instructions on how to inspect the mounting:
Firstly, carefully turn the painting over to analyse the materials used. Examine the stretcher and the canvas it supports. The canvas itself may provide clues about the painting's age and authenticity. Look for any labels or markings that could indicate the artist's preferred framers or any other identifying information.
Next, examine the texture of the painting's surface. Originals tend to have a rough surface when viewed from an angle, whereas reproductions often have a flat and even surface. Inspect the edges of the canvas, particularly the sides that are less likely to be visible to viewers. Originals, especially oil paintings on canvas, tend to have rough and uneven paint edges, while reproductions often have straight, clean edges.
Additionally, pay attention to the mounting material. Reproductions may be mounted on cardboard or another type of board. Examine the frame and look for signs of wear and tear. Over time, wooden edges may become less sharp and drier. A patina, or the accumulated signs of age and wear, is challenging to reproduce, so look for inconsistencies in the frame's patina.
Finally, use your sense of smell. Oil paintings, for instance, can retain their scent for years. If you detect the aroma of oil, it could be an indicator that the painting is an original oil work.
Remember, when inspecting the mounting, handle the painting with care and consider seeking expert advice if you have any doubts about its authenticity.
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Research the artist
Researching the artist is an important step in determining whether a painting is an original or a copy. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Firstly, get to know the artist's oeuvre, or body of work. This includes examining the artist's stylistic patterns—the specific techniques, colours, and themes that characterise their work. You can do this by conducting an online image search of the artist's name, which can yield a comprehensive overview. Look for any unusual deviations in the painting you are examining. For instance, some artists are known to have signed blank papers, which later had prints drawn on them, making them of lesser value.
Secondly, analyse the artist's signature. Artists usually sign in colours that match the artwork, so a mismatch should raise doubts. Check the placement of the signature—good forgers can reproduce signatures but may overlook the standard position used by the artist. Also, look for the date and location, which artists sometimes include.
Thirdly, research the market history of the artist. What have other works by this artist sold for at auction houses? Are there any deviations in size, time frame, or medium that might indicate the painting you're examining is a copy? Note that dealers may attempt to confuse buyers with variations in these factors to sell lesser pieces at inflated prices.
Finally, research the gallery. Many pieces will have gallery stickers or information written on the back. Research the gallery to learn more about its reputation and history.
By following these steps, you can gain valuable insight into whether a painting is an original or a copy by developing a deeper understanding of the artist and their work.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the best ways to spot a print is to look at the surface of a painting with a magnifying glass. Often, prints are made up of tiny coloured dots that are arranged in a repeating pattern throughout the painting. A giclée work, however, will not have these dots, but will have a completely uniform canvas texture.
Originals are typically one-of-a-kind or a series of images the artist has approved as original artwork. Copies are typically unsigned and unnumbered by the artist. Originals will also often have a rough and uneven paint edge on the sides of the canvas, whereas copies will have a smooth edge.
Originals will often have the edition number of a limited-edition print, e.g. 5/250, indicating that it is the 5th print in a series of 250. Copies will not have this number. You can also look at the signature for a copyright symbol and date, which will indicate that it is a reproduction.
Familiarise yourself with the artist's work. Examine their pieces for stylistic patterns, analyse the signatures, and check the colours that were available when the painting was made.
