Lena Rivera
The art world is full of real paintings, fakes, and reproductions that can be hard to tell apart. From collectors to investors, it is essential to know how to determine if a painting is real or fake. Even experienced buyers can struggle with this, but careful inspection and expert verification can help. One of the easiest ways to tell is to inspect the surface texture and brushstrokes—real paintings have visible depth and texture, while forgeries tend to lack depth and have a flat, smooth surface. You can also hold the painting up to the light to view it from the back; authentic pieces typically allow some light to come through the canvas, while prints do not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface texture | A real painting will have a visible depth and texture, whereas a fake painting will have a flat and smooth surface. |
| Brushstrokes | A real painting will have visible and varied brushstrokes, whereas a fake painting will have a perfectly uniform surface. |
| 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. |
| Dot patterns | A fake painting may show a repetitive dot structure when viewed under a magnifying glass. |
| Light test | Hold the painting up to the light to view it from the back. Authentic pieces typically allow some light to come through the canvas, while prints do not. |
| Paint type | Know the types of paint used during the era of the piece in question. |
| Catalogue raisonné | Artists have a catalogue raisonné, which details all of their known artworks. If a painting cannot be found in their catalogue raisonné, it could be fake. |
| Certificate of Authenticity | A Certificate of Authenticity is a signed document that proves the work's authenticity. However, these can be easily reproduced, so contact the issuer to verify the certificate. |
| Provenance | Verify the provenance of the painting by looking for records from dealers, galleries, or museums. |
| Cracking | Examine how the paint has cracked over time. For example, French canvasses from the 18th century appear like spider webs. |
| Moving Painting | The fake version of the Moving Painting will be missing trees in the top right corner. |
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What You'll Learn
Examine the surface texture and brushstrokes
Examining the surface texture and brushstrokes is a key part of determining the authenticity of a painting. The texture of a painting is informed by the painter's choice of surface and their application of paint. Painters can apply paint thickly or thinly, with each approach influencing the texture of the painting. A thick application of paint, often using tools like a palette knife or a stiff brush, creates a textured surface that stands out from the canvas. This technique, known as impasto, adds depth and three-dimensionality to the artwork. Vincent van Gogh, for example, used impasto to give his paintings a sense of movement and expression.
On the other hand, a thin application of paint, done slowly and deliberately, results in a smoother surface. This technique may be used to achieve intricate details and subtle variations in tone and texture. For instance, the dry brush technique, where a small amount of paint is used on a nearly dry brush, allows the texture of the canvas to show through and is perfect for adding fine details.
The choice of surface also plays a significant role in the texture and overall look of the painting. A textured surface, such as cold press paper, interacts with the brush differently than a smooth surface. On a textured surface, the underlying texture influences the quality of the brushstrokes, while a smooth surface allows for more precise and self-defining strokes.
Additionally, different brushstroke techniques can be employed to create a variety of effects. Crosshatching, for instance, involves crisscrossing brushstrokes to create a web of colour and build up areas of light and shade. Stippling, on the other hand, uses semi-liquid paint and a fine brush or stippling tool to create subtle variations in tone and texture. Artists may also use scumbling, where a dry brush and diluted paint are used to create a weathered look, or expressive gesture strokes, which capture the energy and movement of the artist's hand.
The examination of surface texture and brushstrokes involves looking for these techniques and understanding how they contribute to the overall story the painting tells. By considering the interplay between the paint and the surface, one can gain insight into the authenticity and artistic intentions of the work.
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Verify the signature
Verifying the signature on a painting is a crucial step in authenticating the artwork. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Understand the Artist's Signature Style
Artists often develop unique signatures that reflect their artistic style and personality. Some artists consistently use the same style and lettering across their works, making their signatures instantly recognisable. For example, Picasso and Van Gogh are known for their distinct signature styles. Others may vary their signatures, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the artist's typical practices.
Examine the Placement of the Signature
The placement of a signature can provide clues about the artist's era and style. Traditionally, signatures were placed in the bottom right corner of the canvas. However, modern art may feature signatures in unexpected locations, such as the top left or even behind the canvas. For instance, Renoir often signed his paintings in the bottom left, while Warhol's signature could appear anywhere.
Compare with Known Examples
Once you have identified the artist's name, the next step is to verify the legitimacy of the signature. Utilise online databases such as Artnet, The Art Signature Dictionary, Artist's Signatures, and ArtistsSignatures.com, which offer free access to artist directory listings and signature examples. Compare the signature on your painting with known examples to look for similarities and discrepancies.
Consult Experts or Appraisers
If you are unsure about the signature, consider seeking the opinion of an expert or art appraiser specialising in that artist. They can provide valuable insights and help authenticate the signature. You can contact museum curators, art history professors, or gallery owners who may have expertise in identifying artworks and signatures.
Check the Back of the Canvas
Sometimes, information about the painting, such as the title, year created, and artist's name, may be printed on the back of the canvas or frame. If the painting is framed, carefully remove the protective backing paper to check for hidden details. Additionally, inspect the frame for a manufacturer's imprint or label, as this can help narrow down the time period and region of the painting's origin.
Remember, a signature is an essential tool in establishing the authenticity of a painting, but it should be considered alongside other factors, such as sales records, exhibition histories, and bills of sale.
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Check the painting's provenance
Checking the provenance of a painting is an important step in authenticating a work of art. The word 'provenance' comes from the French word 'provenir', meaning 'to come from', and it refers to the history of ownership of a specific piece of art. A good provenance increases the value of a painting, confirms its date, artist, and subject, and helps resolve ownership disputes.
When checking the provenance of a painting, it is important to look for documentation that outlines the work's creator, history, and appraisal value. This can include exhibition marks, dealer stamps, gallery labels, shipping labels, and auction records. It is also worth looking into the history of the artwork, including any previous owners, exhibitions, and transfers. This information can be found through research using resources such as the Getty Provenance Index, WorldCat, PHAROS International Consortium of Photo Archives, and Mapping Paintings.
It is important to be cautious when evaluating provenance, as documentation can be falsified. Unscrupulous sellers may manufacture phony provenance for their art, so it is important to verify the information provided. This can be done by contacting galleries, auction houses, and experts in the field. It is also important to look for qualified individuals' signatures and confirm the information with real people.
Additionally, when evaluating the provenance of a painting, it is worth considering any gaps or questionable transfers in the documentation. It is rare to have a complete provenance, especially for older objects or those that were in Europe during World War II. In these cases, it is important to research and cross-check any information found to fill in the gaps and ensure its accuracy.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, one can authenticate a painting and establish its provenance. This process helps to confirm the legitimacy and value of the artwork.
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Understand the types of paint used during the era
Understanding the types of paint used during a particular era can help in identifying the authenticity and age of a painting. Before paint was marketed to the everyday consumer, it could be broadly categorized into two types: oil-bound paints and waterborne paints. Oil-bound paints consist of four main components: pigment, binder, thinner, and dryer. Linseed is a commonly used oil or binder, along with hide glue and gelatin. Turpentine is often used as a thinner in historical paints. The binder adheres the pigment to the surface with the help of the thinner, while the dryer accelerates the drying time of the oil. Oil-bound paints were applied by brush and provided an even sheen and uniform film. They were favoured for their durability, strength, and sheen, but they tend to become brittle and crack over time. Waterborne paints, on the other hand, do not require a dryer due to the evaporation process.
Oil and tempera paintings from older eras will often exhibit a fine pattern of cracks, known as craquelure. These cracks should be examined closely to determine if they are natural or artificially created. Heavily varnished paintings with yellowed varnish can make it more challenging to spot craquelure. It is worth noting that artificial cracking can sometimes appear too consistent to be natural. Oil paintings also commonly display raised paint, which can be identified by holding the canvas flat and examining the surface.
Additionally, the use of monograms, which are 2- to 3-letter designs containing the artist's initials, can provide a clue to the era of a painting. Monograms became more popular among painters after the 1800s, whereas signatures were rarely used before the Renaissance (around 1300).
The style of the painting can also offer insights into the era. Expressionism and Impressionism, characterised by expressive brush strokes and colours, were popular between 1860 and 1920. Realism, marked by photographic accuracy, emerged after 1840. Abstract and Experimental movements, which often leave viewers puzzled, arose after 1930. The use of acrylic paint can indicate a painting was created after 1940, as the flat colours and lack of light reflection in darker hues are indicative of this medium.
To summarise, understanding the types of paint and their characteristics across different eras can provide valuable clues when assessing the authenticity and age of a painting.
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Hold the painting up to the light
Holding a painting up to the light is a good way to check its authenticity. If it is a real painting, you should be able to see light coming through the back of the canvas. This is because artists use varying degrees of impasto (the heaviness of paint in certain areas), which means that brushstrokes vary in size and texture. In a print, the surface will often appear too perfect, lacking the depth and texture of an original painting.
When you hold the painting up to the light, you can also look for hidden flaws. Ultraviolet (UV) light can reveal repairs, changes, or forgeries that normal light cannot. This can help you spot a forgery.
However, it is important to note that some prints may still allow light to pass through, and some original paintings may not. This method of authentication should be used in conjunction with other techniques, such as checking the signature, brushstrokes, and provenance of the painting.
If you are unsure about the authenticity of a painting, it is always best to consult an expert. Art authenticators use several methods to examine a painting, including UV light, research, and chemical tests, to determine whether a painting is real or fake.
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Frequently asked questions
If the painting is a print, it will likely not allow light to pass through when held up. A print will also have a flat and smooth surface, whereas an original will have visible depth and texture.
A painter's brushstrokes will never be perfectly uniform, so look out for natural variation. Also, be wary of paintings that look too perfect as they may be reproductions.
Compare the signature to known examples of the artist's work. The placement and positioning of the signature are just as important as its appearance.
A catalogue raisonné is an official record of an artist's known works. It can be presented by media such as oil, water and pastel, or all of an artist's known works may appear on the same list.
You can verify a painting's provenance by looking for records from dealers, galleries, or museums. A Certificate of Authenticity from a reputable source can also prove its authenticity, but be sure to verify the certificate with the issuer.
