Elena Rossi
The art market is a treacherous place, with forgers happily minting money by passing off fake art as real. It is estimated that up to 50% of all artwork in circulation is fake, with some even making it into famous auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's. So, how can one tell a fake painting from an original? Well, there are several ways to do so, including checking for layering, inspecting the signature, verifying provenance, and comparing it to the artist's catalogue raisonné.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age of the painting | Older paintings, especially from the 17th century, develop a natural network of fine cracks in the paint layer. |
| Texture and brushstrokes | Real paintings have visible depth and texture. |
| Signature | Compare the signature to known examples of the artist's work. A forged signature is a common issue in fake art. |
| Age consistency | A genuine signature should appear naturally aged with the painting. |
| Positioning of the signature | The placement and positioning of the signature are just as important as the appearance of the signature itself. |
| Certificate of Authenticity | A Certificate of Authenticity is a signed document that proves the work's authenticity. It should contain details about the work and artist. |
| Artist | If you've never heard of the artist, put on your detective hat and research. |
| Materials | Learn what materials were available in the artist's time period. |
| Surface | If the surface looks too perfect, it may be a print rather than an original painting. |
| Dot patterns | A fake painting created using a printer may show a repetitive dot structure when viewed under a magnifying glass. |
| Scientific analysis | Infrared cameras can be used to detect forgeries. |
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What You'll Learn
Research the artist and their work
Researching the artist and their work is a crucial step in determining whether a painting is a fake or an original. Here are some detailed instructions on how to go about it:
Signature Analysis:
The signature on a painting can provide valuable insights into its authenticity. Artists often have distinct signature styles and placement preferences. Check if the signature on the painting you are examining matches the artist's typical signature style and positioning. Be cautious if you notice any inconsistencies or deviations from their known signature characteristics.
Study the Artist's Trademark Style:
Artists often develop a trademark style that permeates their body of work. Research and analyse the artist's past creations to identify any consistent themes, techniques, or subject matter that define their artistic identity. If the painting in question deviates significantly from the artist's established style, it may warrant further scrutiny.
Examine Past Works for Patterns:
Scrutinise the artist's catalogue raisonné, which is a comprehensive compilation of their known works. If the painting you are assessing does not appear in this catalogue, it could be a sign of misattribution, forgery, or an undiscovered work. Additionally, study the patterns in their past works, including the use of specific colours, dating practices, and location mentions. Any anomalies or inconsistencies in these patterns could be a red flag.
Understand the Ageing Process of Paintings:
Paintings develop natural signs of ageing, known as patina, over time. Research the typical ageing patterns of paintings from specific periods and regions. For instance, French canvases from the 18th century may exhibit a spider web-like cracking pattern. Understanding these ageing characteristics will help you identify artificial ageing techniques used by forgers, such as tea bags and varnish.
Provenance Research:
Provenance refers to the ownership history of an artwork, including the record of who owned it and when. Conduct extensive research using public and private records, archives, catalogues, sales receipts, and correspondence related to the artwork. Any gaps or inconsistencies in the provenance may cast doubt on the authenticity of the painting. However, keep in mind that even provenance can be forged, so cross-reference and scrutinise the available information thoroughly.
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Check for layering and depth
When it comes to checking the layering and depth of a painting to determine its authenticity, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand that an original piece of art typically exhibits visible depth and texture, achieved through multiple layers of paint. These layers should be discernible to the naked eye, adding depth and texture to the artwork. In contrast, a fake painting may lack depth and appear flat or smooth, indicating a potential absence of layering.
To inspect layering and depth effectively, you can examine the brushstrokes and impasto technique used by the artist. Visible and varied brushstrokes are characteristic of original paintings, as a painter's hand imparts natural variation to the strokes. Additionally, thicker layers of paint, known as impasto, create texture and are often indicative of authentic pieces. The impasto technique results in a buildup of paint layers, contributing to the overall depth of the artwork.
Another aspect to consider is the age of the painting. Older paintings, particularly those from the 17th century, may exhibit craquelure, which is a network of fine cracks in the paint layer that develops over time. This natural ageing process adds to the depth and texture of the painting. However, be cautious of artificially aged paintings, as forgers may employ techniques to mimic ageing and deceive unsuspecting buyers.
To further enhance your assessment of layering and depth, consider utilising technology such as infrared reflectography and UV light analysis. These tools can reveal hidden layers, inconsistencies, and variations in pigment depth that may not be discernible to the naked eye. By employing these technological aids, you can gain additional insights into the painting's authenticity.
Lastly, it is essential to recognise the limitations of your assessment. While checking for layering and depth is crucial, it should not be the sole determining factor in authenticating a painting. Always combine this evaluation with other authentication methods, such as signature analysis, provenance research, and consultation with expert appraisers. By adopting a comprehensive approach, you can make a more informed judgement about the authenticity of the artwork.
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Inspect the signature
Inspecting the signature is an important step in determining the authenticity of a painting. A forged signature is a common issue in fake art. Here are some tips on how to inspect the signature:
Firstly, it is important to compare the signature on the painting to known samples of the artist's work. Artists may change their signatures over time, so it is helpful to familiarise yourself with their different signatures. Look for significant differences in the signature that may indicate a forgery. Amateurs often make the mistake of assuming that if a signature looks similar to the artist's known signatures, it is genuine. However, with enough practice, anyone can become skilled at faking signatures.
Secondly, pay attention to the placement and positioning of the signature. Good forgers can reproduce signatures, but they may overlook the standard placement used by the artist. For example, artists tend to sign in colours that correspond with the colours and compositions of the artwork. Be cautious if you notice any kind of mismatch. Additionally, the signature should be "in the paint" of the composition, indicating that the artist signed while the paint was still wet. Forgers usually have to sign on top of dried paint.
Thirdly, be wary of the medium of the signature. Unless the artist is known for signing in mediums other than that of the artwork itself, beware when the medium does not match. For instance, a painting signed in ink or pencil instead of paint, or a signature scratched into dried paint, could indicate a problem.
Lastly, if you are buying online, ensure that the seller provides clear, detailed images of the signature without any glare, reflections, or shadows. Sellers may provide poor close-up images of signatures or no close-ups at all to conceal the fact that a work is fake. If they do not provide clear images, ask them to email you some. If you have access to the physical painting, use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine the signature up close. Look for indications that the signature was signed over pre-existing age cracks or that paint has "bled" into adjacent cracks, as this could mean the signature was added later.
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Verify the provenance
The provenance of a painting is the history of its ownership. It is derived from the French word "provener," meaning "to come from." Provenance is important because it increases the value of a painting and can help confirm the date, artist, and subject of a work. It may also confirm whether a painting is genuinely of the period it seems to date from.
- Examine documentation—Photocopies of letters, certificates, and other documents are not valid forms of provenance unless the originals can be accessed and inspected firsthand. Documentation must be hand-signed, hand-stamped, or otherwise marked by hand. All signatures must be readable and identifiable, and contact information for all signers must be included and verifiable.
- Verify the information—Provenance is fact, not supposition. Statements that a work of art looks similar to other works by the artist are not sufficient proof of provenance unless they are made by nationally or internationally respected authorities on the artist.
- Contact previous owners—Get the full names and contact information for all galleries, auction houses, or private parties that previously owned the art. If these galleries or auction houses are still in business, contact them to confirm the information provided by the seller.
- Research exhibition history—Exhibition marks, dealer stamps, gallery labels, and shipping labels can all indicate previous ownership. Auction records are an important resource for researching the provenance of paintings.
- Consult experts—Independent experts, art dealers, consultants, and appraisers can help determine a work's authenticity. However, be cautious of potential conflicts of interest, and only trust the opinion of experts with significant backgrounds and experience with the artist in question.
- Utilize online databases—The Getty Provenance Index® is a useful tool for researching the provenance of paintings. It can reveal collecting patterns, consumer behavior, market trends, and more.
- Establish yourself as the creator—If you are an artist, it is essential to firmly establish yourself as the creator of the artwork by keeping good records and providing documentation with every piece you produce. This will help prevent unscrupulous sellers from trafficking in fakes and protect your reputation.
By following these steps and conducting meticulous research, you can verify the provenance of a painting and ensure its authenticity and value.
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Examine the materials
Examining the materials of a painting is crucial to determining its authenticity. Here are some detailed ways to do this:
Inspect the Texture and Brushstrokes
Look for visible brushstrokes and texture. A real painting will have depth and a visible buildup of paint layers. You can use a magnifying glass to examine the surface closely. Look for variation in the thickness of the paint, as this indicates the artist's hand and natural variation in brushstrokes. If the surface looks too perfect, flat, and smooth, it may be a print rather than an original painting.
Analyze the Materials and Pigments
Examine the Back of the Painting
Turn the painting over and analyze the back. Often, a painting retains its original stretcher, which can be examined in relation to the canvas it supports. Look for any stamps, labels, signatures, or inscriptions that are usually found on original paintings. Many originals have some form of authentication on the back, so their absence could be a red flag. Hold the painting up to the light and look at it from the back. If it is a real painting, light should shine through the canvas, whereas a printed copy will not allow light to pass through.
Check the Frame
Inspect the frame to ensure it is made from high-quality materials that reflect the artist's style. Fake paintings tend to have cheaply made frames that do not align with the artist's aesthetic. A frame that looks too perfect may indicate a forgery.
Consult Reference Materials
Familiarize yourself with the artist's oeuvre, including their stylistic patterns, signatures, and the colours available during the creation of the painting. Compare any signatures to known examples in catalogues raisonnés (official records of an artist's works). Check if the painting is included in these catalogues, as its absence could indicate a misattribution, forgery, or an undiscovered original.
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Frequently asked questions
Trust your instincts. If something seems off, it probably is. Here are some other ways to tell:
- Check the signature. The placement and positioning of the signature are just as important as its appearance. Compare it to known examples of the artist’s work.
- Inspect the texture and brushstrokes. Real paintings have visible depth and texture.
- Verify the provenance. Look for records from dealers, galleries, or museums.
- Check for a Certificate of Authenticity. This is a signed document that proves the work’s authenticity and should contain details about the artwork and the artist.
Forgeries tend to lack depth. They may also use the wrong types of paint for the era of the piece in question. For example, a painting alleged to be from the 17th century used synthetic paint not available at the time.
It's estimated that up to 50% of all artwork in circulation is fake. Art forgers go to great lengths to create fake provenance and make their artwork look as original as possible. Be cautious if you've never heard of the artist or come across the painting.
You can examine the painting using methods such as carbon dating or by using a handheld infrared camera. You can also research the artist and the materials they would have used during their era. Compare these to the types of paint and other materials used in the painting.
