
The term after in art refers to a copy of a known work by an artist. For example, a copy of the Mona Lisa would be After Leonardo da Vinci. The term has been used for centuries and is considered more casual than copy of, saving the artist from accusations of being derivative. The highest level of after is when the original artist is involved or approves the copy, while the lowest level is when the copyist is far removed from the original artist by time or association. Some afters can be very valuable, selling for over $110,000, but most are worth considerably less than the original artwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Copy of an artist's work or "in the style of" |
| Usage | Used to save oneself from accusations of copying and being "derivative" |
| Original artist's involvement | The highest level of "after" is when the original artist is involved or approves the "after" |
| Copyist's involvement | The lowest level of "after" is when the copyist is far removed from the artist by either association or time |
| Legality | Legally defined and regulated in some countries, e.g. France's Marcus Law |
| Value | Depending on the level and quality, "afters" can be valuable, selling for over $110,000 |
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What You'll Learn

After means in the style of
The term "after" in art is used to describe a work that is "in the style of" another artist. This means that the work is a copy or emulation of another artist's style, composition, or work. The term "after" has been used in this way for centuries and is often used casually to describe a work that is not an exact copy but is influenced by the original artist.
For example, if an artist paints a copy of the Mona Lisa, it would be described as "After Leonardo da Vinci". In this case, the "after" indicates that the work is a copy of a known work by the original artist. The term "after" can also be used to indicate that the copyist is far removed from the original artist in terms of time or association.
The use of "after" can vary slightly, and it may be more appropriate to use the term "copy of" if one is trying to make an exact replica of a prior artist's work. However, "after" is often used when emulating another artist's style or composition without making an exact copy. This practice has a long history, with many ancient Roman sculptures being "afters" of Greek sculptures.
The highest level of an "after" is when the original artist is involved or approves the copy, while the lowest level is when the copyist is far removed from the original artist. Some "afters" can be very valuable, selling for over $100,000, but most are sold for considerably less than the original artist's work. The value of an "after" depends on the level and quality of the work.
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It is not plagiarism
Painting 'after' an artist is a term that has been used for centuries, and it simply means that the artwork is a copy of a known work by another artist. It is not plagiarism, as long as the copyist makes it clear that the work is not their own original idea. The term 'after' is used to save the artist from accusations of plagiarism and being derivative, which is frowned upon in the art world. The practice of copying art is common, especially among students, and it is not illegal if the artwork is not sold or passed off as the work of the original artist.
Art plagiarism is a form of cheating and is illegal. It involves copying another artist's work without consent or credit, and it violates the artist's rights. Even if the artwork is tweaked to look different, it is still plagiarism if credit is not given to the original artist. The act of plagiarism can lead to legal consequences, including lawsuits and monetary penalties, as well as damage to the plagiarist's reputation.
To avoid plagiarism, artists can use other artworks as inspiration and create their own unique pieces by mixing different ideas. It is important to give credit to the original artist when using their work as inspiration. This can be done by clearly stating that the artwork is "after" or "in the style of" the original artist.
In some cases, the original artist may be involved in the creation of the 'after' artwork or may give their approval. This is considered the highest level of an 'after' artwork and can be very valuable. However, even without the original artist's involvement or approval, the practice of creating 'after' artworks has been going on for centuries and is a common way for artists to learn and develop their skills.
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The original artist may be involved
The term "after" in art generally means that a work is a copy of a known piece by an artist. For instance, a copy of the Mona Lisa would be "After Leonardo da Vinci". However, the term "after" can also be used more casually to describe a work done in the style of an artist. This usage of the term "after" is more ambiguous and can be applied to works that emulate an artist's style or composition without being an exact copy.
When the original artist is involved in the creation of the "after" work, it typically indicates a higher level of approval or collaboration. In some cases, the original artist may create an original etching or lithograph that serves as the basis for another artist to create a new work "after" the original. This was the case with Picasso, who often collaborated with other artists to create "afters" of his own work. These collaborative "afters" can be quite valuable, sometimes selling for over $100,000.
The involvement of the original artist in the creation of an "after" work can add a level of legitimacy and value to the piece. It indicates that the new work has been approved or sanctioned by the original artist, even if it is not an exact replica. This practice has been common for centuries, with ancient Roman sculptures being "afters" of Greek sculptures, preserving the forms and styles of the original works that may have otherwise been lost to time.
The term "after" can be a way to pay homage to the original artist while also creating something new and derivative. It is a way for artists to build upon the work of those who came before them, adding their own unique twist or interpretation. By involving the original artist in the process, there is a greater level of respect and collaboration, elevating the "after" work beyond a simple copy.
In conclusion, when the original artist is involved in the creation of an "after" work, it can add a layer of complexity and value to the piece. It is no longer a simple copy but a collaboration that blends the styles and influences of multiple artists. This practice has been used throughout art history to preserve and build upon the work of renowned artists, creating a dialogue between different artistic voices across time.
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The term after has been used for centuries
The term "after" in art refers to creating a work in the style of another artist or copying their work. This term has been used for centuries, dating back to early antiquity, with many ancient Roman sculptures being "afters" of Greek sculptures. The term "after" is often used to indicate that a work is a copy of a known piece by another artist. For example, a copy of the Mona Lisa would be referred to as "After Leonardo da Vinci."
The use of "after" can vary depending on the context and the level of the "after." The highest level of "after" is when the original artist is involved or approves the "after." For instance, Picasso often created original etchings and lithographs that other artists reproduced with his approval, and he would then sign the "after." These reproductions are considered valuable, with some selling for over $110,000.
The term "after" can also be used to indicate that a work is in the style of another artist without being an exact copy. In this case, it is used more casually to avoid accusations of being derivative, which is looked down upon in the art world. Some artists, like Van Gogh and Picasso, were known for copying or emulating the styles of other artists throughout their careers.
While the term "after" has been used for centuries, there are still debates and varying opinions surrounding its usage. Some consider it damning, implying a lack of imaginative spark on the part of the artist creating the "after." However, others view "afters" as valuable reproductions or studies in the style of another artist.
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Pieces with after can be valuable
The term "after" in the art world is used to describe a copy of a known work by an artist. For example, a copy of the Mona Lisa would be described as "After Leonardo da Vinci". The term "after" has been used for centuries, with many ancient Roman sculptures being "afters" of Greek sculptures.
The value of "after" pieces varies. Some can be very valuable, selling for over $110,000, while most sell for considerably less than the original artwork. The value of an artwork is hard to establish and is influenced by many factors, including the condition of the object, the personal interests of the seller and purchaser, and market trends. The highest level of an "after" piece is when the original artist is involved or approves the "after", and these pieces tend to be the most valuable. For example, Picasso created original lithographs and etchings that were not based on any other art, but he also approved and signed copies of his paintings created by other artists. These signed and approved "afters" can be very valuable, with some Picasso "afters" having starting bids of 10-20k.
The value of "after" pieces also depends on the level of association with the original artist. The lowest level of an "after" is when the copyist is far removed from the artist by time or association, and these pieces tend to be less valuable. However, even these pieces can have value, as they are not fakes and credit the original artist while acknowledging that the work is not by them.
To determine the value of an "after" piece, one can consult price guides, which are often available in books or online, or find an appraiser, who is a trained specialist that evaluates artwork for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting "after" an artist means that you are creating a copy of their work. This term has been used for centuries and is often used in museums, auctions, and galleries.
Painting "after" allows an artist to study and emulate the style and composition of another artist without claiming authorship of the original composition.
"Copy of" implies an exact reproduction of the original work, whereas "after" suggests that the artist is interpreting the style or composition of the original artist.
Yes, painting "after" an artist is legal. However, in some countries, such as France, there are laws regulating the use of terms like "after" in the art market.
No, there are different levels to "afters". The highest level is when the original artist is involved or approves the "after". The lowest level is when the copyist is far removed from the original artist by time or association.











































