Leo Martínez
The art industry is a lucrative market, with a turnover of almost $2.7 billion in 2022. However, it is rife with counterfeit works, and even museums and galleries have fallen victim to forgeries. So, how can one tell if a common painting is real? Firstly, research the artist, their background, artistic style, and previous works. Next, examine the painting's texture, brushstrokes, and signature. Compare the signature to other known works by the artist, as the placement and positioning are important. Check the materials used, such as the type of paint and canvas, and verify the painting's provenance or history of ownership. Hold the painting up to the light and look for brush bristles, as originals will not have them. If in doubt, seek a professional opinion from art appraisers or historians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signature | Compare the signature to other known works by the artist. If the signature looks added on top of the painting, it might be a forgery. Artists usually sign in colours that match the painting. |
| Brushstrokes | Real paintings have visible depth and texture. Brush bristles stuck on the painting indicate a cheap replica. |
| Artist's background | Research the artist's background, artistic style, and previous works. |
| Provenance | Verify the history of ownership. A painting with a strong provenance is more likely to be legitimate. |
| Materials | Examine the canvas, paint, and other materials to see if they are consistent with the artist's known techniques. |
| Light test | Hold the painting up to the light and look at it from the back. If it is a real painting, you should be able to see light coming through the back of the canvas. |
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What You'll Learn
Research the artist's background, style, and previous works
Researching the artist's background, style, and previous works is an essential step in authenticating a painting. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to approach this research process:
Artist's Background
Understanding the artist's background involves delving into their personal history, influences, and artistic journey. Start by gathering basic biographical information about the artist, including their name, birth and death dates, nationality, and any significant life events that could have influenced their art. Explore the historical and cultural context in which they lived, as this can greatly impact their artistic expression. For instance, understanding the societal norms, political climate, and artistic movements of their time can provide insights into the artist's motivations and the themes they explore in their works.
Artist's Style
Analyzing an artist's style involves identifying consistent elements across their body of work. Look for common themes, subjects, colours, techniques, or symbolic meanings that recur in their paintings. Some artists may have a distinct signature style that makes their works instantly recognizable, while others may evolve and experiment with different styles throughout their careers. Understanding the artist's style involves examining the underlying principles and aesthetics that unite their oeuvre.
Previous Works
Researching an artist's previous works is crucial for comparison and establishing a context for the painting in question. Seek out their other known paintings, sculptures, drawings, or prints. Study these works closely, noting similarities and differences in style, subject matter, and themes. Look for patterns, such as recurring motifs, colour palettes, or compositional techniques. Compare the painting in question with the artist's established body of work to determine if it aligns with their stylistic evolution or diverges suspiciously.
Online and Offline Resources
To conduct this research effectively, utilize a variety of resources. Online databases, such as Oxford Art Online and Grove Art Online, offer a wealth of information on artists, art movements, and specific works. These databases often include images, articles, and scholarly analyses that can provide valuable insights. Additionally, consult encyclopedias, books, and academic journals dedicated to art history and specific artistic movements or periods. Physical institutions, such as libraries, museums, and galleries, can also provide valuable resources, including archives, exhibitions, and art experts who can guide your research.
Authenticity Indicators
While researching, remain vigilant for indicators of authenticity. Consistency in an artist's style, subject matter, and technique across their body of work is one indicator. Additionally, the presence of the artist's signature on the painting, while not conclusive, can be a positive sign. However, be aware that signatures can be forged, so consider it as one piece of the larger puzzle.
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Examine the canvas, paint, and other materials
Examining the canvas, paint, and other materials used in a painting can provide valuable insights into its authenticity. Here are some key considerations:
Canvas and Surface Texture
The canvas or surface of a painting can offer clues about its authenticity. Turn the painting over to examine the back, including the stretcher, which can provide information about the canvas it supports. The canvas itself may have a specific look and feel that can indicate its age. For example, older paintings may have a natural network of fine cracks in the paint layer, known as "craquelure". Additionally, the edges of a painting done directly on a surface will be uneven or extend to the edges, whereas prints often have clean, straight boundaries.
Brushstrokes and Paint Layering
Inspect the surface texture and brushstrokes of the painting. Authentic paintings typically exhibit visible and varied brushstrokes, as a painter's hand is never perfectly uniform. Look for variation in pigment depth and layering, as well as thicker layers of paint (impasto) that create texture. Prints, on the other hand, often have a flat and smooth surface without the depth and texture of real paint.
Materials and Pigments
Analyze the materials and pigments used in the painting. Older paintings employed different pigments than modern forgeries. Experts can test these materials to determine if they align with what the original artist would have used during their time period. This includes examining the type of canvas, paint, and other media to ensure consistency with the artist's known techniques and materials. For instance, if an artist typically used oil paints, a painting done in acrylic may raise questions about its authenticity.
Use of Technology
Infrared reflectography and UV light analysis can be employed to uncover hidden layers, underlying sketches, corrections, and inconsistencies. These techniques can help reveal repairs or changes that are invisible to the naked eye and provide valuable insights into the painting's creation.
Remember, examining the canvas, paint, and materials is just one aspect of authenticating a painting. Consulting expert appraisers, researching the artist's background and style, and verifying provenance are also crucial steps in determining the authenticity of a work of art.
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Check the painting's history, or provenance
Checking the provenance, or history, of a painting is a crucial step in determining its authenticity and value. The term "provenance" refers to the chain of custody of a work of art, documenting its journey from the artist's hands to the present day. A good provenance increases the value of a painting and provides important insights into its history. Here are some steps to help guide you through the process of checking a painting's provenance:
Research Auction Records and Art Databases
Auction records are a valuable resource for researching the provenance of paintings. Institutions like the Witt Library, the Heinz Library at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles maintain collections of auction catalogues and records. These resources can help you trace the ownership history of a painting and identify any notable previous owners.
Additionally, art databases such as the Getty Provenance Index® and the Netherlands Institute for Art History (RKD) databases can provide valuable information about artists, ownership patterns, and collecting history. These databases often include catalogues raisonnés, which list all the known works of an artist and their locations.
Examine the Back of the Painting
The back of a painting can often reveal crucial information about its provenance. Labels, stamps, or inscriptions on the reverse side can indicate previous owners, auction houses, or even the artist's signature. Private collectors throughout history have added their marks to the backs of their prized artworks, such as King Charles I of England's "CR" crowned initials.
Verify Documentation and Ownership History
When reviewing documentation related to the painting's provenance, it's important to be cautious. Scrutinize bills of sale, receipts, and ownership records to ensure their authenticity. Contact galleries, auction houses, and previous owners to confirm the information provided by the seller. Be wary of sellers who claim to have provenance but refuse to show it until after the sale, as this is a common tactic used by unscrupulous dealers.
Consult Expert Resources and Art Institutions
If you're conducting provenance research on your own, don't hesitate to utilize the resources offered by art institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago, for example, provides an extensive online collection with photographs, descriptions, and provenance statements for their artworks. The Denver Art Museum has also developed a guide to understanding provenance statements. Additionally, you can reach out to qualified art appraisers, auction houses, or museum curators for guidance and advice.
Remember, establishing the provenance of a painting can be a complex and detailed process, often requiring a bit of detective work. By following these steps and consulting reliable resources, you can enhance your understanding of a painting's history and make more informed decisions about its authenticity and value.
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Inspect for cracks, fading, or flaking
When inspecting a painting for cracks, fading, or flaking, it is important to understand the common issues that can occur with painted surfaces and how they are caused.
Cracking is the splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat. In its early stages, cracking appears as hairline fractures; in later stages, flaking occurs. Cracking is usually caused by inadequate surface preparation, such as applying paint to bare wood without first applying a primer. It can also be caused by excessive hardening and embrittlement of paint as it ages, causing the coating to lose its ability to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Some patterns of cracking are associated with the features of the support, such as 'pavement' or 'grid' cracks that follow the threads of coarse-woven plain-weave canvases. 'Corner circle cracks' follow a circular pattern around the corners of the painting, while 'corner bisector cracks' bisect the corner. 'Tacking garland cracks' are created by excessive tension during the stretching of the canvas.
Fading is described as premature and/or excessive lightening of the paint colour, which can occur on surfaces exposed to sunlight. Interior coatings may also fade if they are near windows with significant sunlight exposure. Fading can also be caused by chalking of the coating, such as primer, paint, or stain. Colours will fade slightly when exposed to intense sunlight, and as the coating ages, the fading can become more noticeable. Interior-grade colourants used outside will fade. Adding more tint to the coating than is recommended can also cause fading. Alkyd/oil-based paints tend to yellow, particularly in areas not exposed to sunlight, due to their curing mechanism. Oil-based varnishes start with an amber cast that will darken over time. Heat from stoves, radiators, and heating ducts, as well as tobacco staining or other environmental contaminants, can also contribute to fading and discolouration.
Flaking occurs when the paint film embrittles and loses its adhesion to the underlying surface, causing it to detach and form flakes. This can be caused by excessive hardening and embrittlement of the paint film, as well as inadequate surface preparation. Flaking can also be a result of impact damage or accidental scraping of the painting.
To inspect for these issues, play with the lighting or use a flashlight to shine a strong light source on the surface of the painting at an angle, known as raking light. This will help to better reveal any cracks, fading, or flaking.
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Buy from reputable galleries, dealers, or auction houses
When it comes to purchasing art, it is crucial to ensure that you are getting what you paid for. One of the best ways to do this is to buy from reputable galleries, dealers, or auction houses. These establishments have a vested interest in maintaining their reputation by providing authentic artworks. They often have a team of experts who can verify the authenticity of the pieces they sell.
Reputable galleries typically have knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the artist's background, style, and previous works. They can provide insights into the artist's technique, materials, and any unique characteristics that distinguish their creations. This information can be invaluable in helping you make an informed decision about the authenticity of a painting.
Dealers who have been in the art business for a long time often have extensive knowledge and a vast network of connections. They may have access to artworks with well-documented provenance, which refers to the history of ownership. A painting with a strong provenance, especially if it is public, is more likely to be authentic. Dealers can also provide insights into the market and guide you toward making a wise investment.
Auction houses, such as Sotheby's, often deal in high-value artworks and have a reputation to uphold. They employ experts who can authenticate artworks and provide valuable insights into the art market. Auction houses typically have a rigorous process for evaluating and appraising artworks before they are offered for sale. By purchasing from a reputable auction house, you can be more confident in the authenticity of the painting you acquire.
When buying from these sources, you can also request a Certificate of Authenticity, which is a signed document proving the artwork's authenticity and providing details about the work and the artist. While these certificates can be forged, you can verify their authenticity by contacting the issuer. This additional step can provide further assurance that you are acquiring a genuine artwork.
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