Priya Kapoor
Art reproductions are often presented by artists and galleries to look like real art, making it difficult for buyers to differentiate between real works and reproductions. There are several ways to determine whether a painting is an original or a reproduction. Firstly, prints are usually printed on paper, canvas, metal, or wood, and may have a clean straight edge. Secondly, the price tag should provide details such as the medium (oil on panel or acrylic on canvas) and whether it is a print. Thirdly, originals may have a rough surface when viewed from an angle, while reproductions tend to have a flat and even surface. Other methods include examining the signature, analysing the patina, and using a magnifying glass to look for microscopic coloured dots or an array of dots that indicate a machine-made reproduction.
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What You'll Learn
Familiarise yourself with the artist's work and their signatures
When trying to determine whether a painting is a reproduction, it is important to familiarise yourself with the artist's work and their signatures. This is a critical step in examining the piece and knowing what to look for when judging authenticity.
Firstly, conduct an internet search of the artist's name to study their artistic style and identify websites covering the artist. This will help you spot any unusual stylistic patterns in the painting you are examining. For instance, if you see an image of the painting you are examining, it is likely a reproduction. You can also search for the title of the work to see if the original resides in a museum or gallery.
Secondly, examine the artist's signatures in catalogues raisonnés (official records of an artist's work) and compare them to the signature on the painting in question. Look for close-up images of the artist's signatures online. A forged signature is a common issue in fake art. A genuine signature should also appear naturally aged with the painting. If the signature looks added on top, it might be a forgery.
Thirdly, check the colours that were available when the painting was made. Also, look for the stock identification numbers on the back of the artwork, as machine-made reproductions often have these.
Finally, research the market history of the artist. What have other works of this artist sold for at other auction houses, this size, time frame, and medium? Note that some dealers may attempt to confuse the buyer with sizes, periods, and mediums to sell a lesser piece at inflated prices.
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Examine the surface of the painting for printing dots
One of the key ways to differentiate between a reproduction and an original painting is by examining the surface closely. Lithographs and oleographs typically have a flat, smooth texture with even ink distribution, whereas paintings can have a variety of textures, depending on the type of paint and brushstrokes used.
Oleographs are prints designed to resemble oil paintings in style, with close similarities to the artistic techniques of oil paintings. They are created through the process of chromolithography, using a range of 15-20 colours. A stamping process is used to imitate a canvas surface and the thick strokes of oil paint. The print is then attached to canvas to create the close look of an oil painting.
To identify an oleograph, look closely at the surface of the artwork. As prints, oleographs have no texture, and so if the artwork has raised brush strokes, it is likely an original painting. Another way to identify an oleograph is to look for reproduction dots. Oleographs are systematically printed, and sometimes there are visible marks on the artwork of the printing process, such as dots. Oil paintings do not have such markings as they are created on canvas.
Similarly, lithographs can be identified by their distinctive dot pattern. The nature of the pattern can reveal the particular printing process used. A magnifying glass or microscope can be used to examine the surface of the painting closely, and if there is a dot pattern, it is likely a photomechanical reproduction.
Giclée works are an exception, as they are printed reproductions that do not have visible dots under a magnifying glass. Giclées are created through a process in which digitised scans of fine art are transferred to canvas using a large-scale inkjet printer.
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Check the paint consistency and brush strokes
When examining a painting to determine if it is a reproduction, one of the key things to look out for is the paint consistency and brush strokes.
Firstly, it is important to understand the characteristics of the paint used. For instance, the paint consistency of reproductions may differ from that of original paintings. Reproductions are often made from prints, which are created using tiny coloured dots that are arranged in a repeating pattern throughout the painting. These dots can sometimes be seen with a magnifying glass, or even a high-quality smartphone camera.
Additionally, the paint consistency of reproductions may appear smoother and more uniform than that of original paintings. Original paintings often exhibit variations in paint thickness and texture, which can be indicative of the artist's unique brush strokes and painting techniques.
To further assess the paint consistency, a potential buyer can carefully examine the surface of the painting. This can be done by using a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera to look for any signs of print or digital reproduction. Additionally, by turning the painting over, one can analyse the materials used, such as the canvas, stretcher, and any labels or markings that may provide clues about the painting's authenticity.
Moreover, brush strokes can be indicative of an original painting. Original paintings often display unique brush stroke patterns and textures that can be challenging to replicate in reproductions. These brush strokes may vary depending on the artist's technique and the type of paint used. For example, some artists may use thicker paint straight from the tube, while others may prefer to thin their paints with a medium or water. Examining the paint consistency and brush strokes can provide valuable insights into the creation process and help determine if a painting is a reproduction.
Furthermore, the presence of visible brush strokes can be indicative of an original painting. In reproductions, the brush strokes may appear more uniform and less distinct. However, it is important to note that some artists may intentionally try to hide their brush strokes, especially in reproductions, by using techniques such as stippling or airbrushing. Therefore, the absence of visible brush strokes does not necessarily indicate a reproduction.
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Inspect the mounting and framing
Inspecting the mounting and framing of a painting can provide important clues about its authenticity. Here are some key considerations:
Firstly, examine the framing material used. Paintings are typically framed with a mat and glass, which serve to enhance their presentation and protect the artwork from damage. On the other hand, reproductions, such as lithographs, are often framed without glass to prevent unwanted reflections and interference with viewing. Lithographs may be mounted directly on a backing board to avoid damage from glass pressure.
Secondly, pay attention to the mounting surface. Originals, especially oil paintings on canvas, often have rough and uneven paint edges on the sides, whereas reproductions tend to have smooth and even edges. Additionally, look for any signs of reproduction techniques, such as the presence of microscopic coloured dots, which can indicate a printed reproduction.
Another factor to consider is the mounting support. Reproductions may be mounted on cardboard or a similar board, while original paintings are typically stretched over stretcher bars, which can provide insights into the painting's age and authenticity.
Furthermore, inspect the back of the painting for any conservation studio stamps, patches, or signs of past restoration. Original paintings may show evidence of tear repairs or conservation efforts, which would be absent from reproductions.
Lastly, be aware of limited-edition prints, which are often numbered and signed by the artist. These prints can be valuable and may be framed and presented similarly to original paintings, but they are still reproductions.
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Get the work appraised by a third party
If you are considering purchasing a painting, it is important to get it appraised by a third party to ensure its authenticity. An independent review will provide an objective assessment of the work's value and whether it is an original or a reproduction. Here are some key considerations when seeking a third-party appraisal:
Firstly, select a qualified and reliable appraiser. Look for professionals with certifications from reputable art appraiser associations. Preferably, choose someone with expertise in the specific artist, medium, or historical period of the artwork in question. Avoid appraisers who are also art dealers or brokers to prevent potential conflicts of interest. For example, Bernard Ewell is a renowned expert in Salvador Dalí's work, whose prints are often reproduced.
Secondly, research the market history of the artist. Compare the pricing and sales of similar works by the same artist at different auction houses. Consider factors such as the size, medium, timeframe, and condition of the artwork when making your comparisons. This will help you understand the expected value and identify any potential discrepancies.
Additionally, pay attention to the details of the painting itself. Examine the signature, as reproductions may have partial or altered signatures. Look for stylistic patterns and analyse the colours used to determine if they are consistent with the artist's typical palette and the availability of certain colours during the creation of the painting.
Furthermore, the physical characteristics of the artwork can provide valuable insights. For instance, original watercolour paintings will often have a rough surface when viewed from an angle, while reproductions typically have a flat, even surface. Similarly, an original oil painting on canvas mounted on stretcher bars will usually have rough and uneven paint edges on the sides, whereas reproductions often have straight, clean edges.
Lastly, utilise technology to assist in the appraisal process. High-quality smartphone cameras, especially with various filters applied, can sometimes reveal details that indicate a reproduction. For instance, prints may exhibit tiny coloured dots arranged in a repeating pattern, which can be detected with a magnifying glass or microscope. Giclee prints, however, are high-quality reproductions that may not show these dot patterns due to their extremely small colour pixels.
By following these steps and engaging a qualified third-party appraiser, you can make an informed decision about the painting's authenticity and value, ensuring a worthwhile investment.
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