Priya Kapoor
The verso, or the back of a painting, often contains important information that can enhance its value. While there are no rules for what to include, artists typically provide details such as the title, date, medium, size, location, and their name or signature. Some artists also include a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) with additional information like the edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and other pertinent details. Labels or stickers with similar information are also commonly attached to the back of the painting or the frame. Artists may also include notes about the orientation of the painting or its history, which can be valuable for preservation and authentication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | E.g. Berkeley #16, The Madonna and Child Releasing Souls from Purgatory |
| Date | E.g. 1954, 5 July 2019 |
| Artist | E.g. Richard Diebenkorn, Sebastiano Conca |
| Medium | E.g. Acrylic paint, oil pastels, gold leaf, glossy varnish, linen canvas |
| Size | |
| Location | |
| Edition number | |
| Copyright | |
| Signature | |
| Notes | E.g. Orientation, provenance, history, artist biography |
| Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) |
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What You'll Learn
Artist's name, date, and signature
Artists have been signing their works since the 15th century, and while their signatures are most commonly found on the front of the canvas, in more recent times they have often been placed on the back. This is because the back of a painting often contains important information that can significantly enhance its value.
When it comes to including the artist's name, date, and signature, there are a few options to consider. Some artists choose to write this information directly on the back of the canvas using pencil or a fine-point Sharpie. This ensures that the information remains with the painting, even if it is separated from its stretcher or frame. It is important to consider the type of ink used, as black ink markers can yellow and fade over time, especially on raw textile fabric. Instead, an acrylic paint or a stronger oil paint may be preferable.
Another option is to create a custom label that includes the artist's name, date, and signature. These labels can be printed on heavy acid-free paper and then signed by the artist. The labels are then attached to the back of the painting using an acid-free spray adhesive or acrylic medium. This method ensures that the label does not distort the canvas and cause buckling.
Additionally, some artists include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with their paintings. This document includes detailed information about the artwork, such as the edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and any other pertinent information. Including a COA adds value to the artwork and educates buyers about the artistic process.
Whether written directly on the canvas or included as part of a label, providing the artist's name, date, and signature on the back of a painting is essential for identification, provenance, and enhancing the artwork's overall value.
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Title, size, and medium
Including the title, size, and medium on the back of a painting is a common practice for artists. While there are no set rules for what information to include, it is beneficial to provide essential details that can enhance the painting's value and help it "speak for itself".
Size: Providing the dimensions of the painting is essential for documentation and record-keeping. It helps identify the artwork and can be crucial for framing, display, or storage purposes. The size can be included in the labels or written directly on the back, preferably with a fine-point marker or pencil to avoid bleeding through the canvas.
Medium: Indicating the medium used, such as acrylic paint, oil paint, or mixed media, is valuable information for art collectors and historians. It helps authenticate the artwork and provides insights into the artist's techniques and choices. Artists often include this information on labels or write it directly on the back, being cautious not to use materials that may damage the canvas over time.
Including these details on the back of a painting contributes to its story and provides valuable context for collectors, historians, and future owners. While there is flexibility in how this information is presented, it is essential to use common sense and choose methods that preserve the artwork's integrity.
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Copyright and ownership
One common method is to include a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA), which can be attached directly to the back of the painting or included as part of the accompanying paperwork. This certificate typically includes the artist's name, signature, and contact information, such as a studio address, website, email, and phone number. It may also contain specific details about the artwork, such as the edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and any other pertinent information.
Another approach is to use labels or stickers that can be glued or adhered to the back of the painting or the frame. These labels can include similar information to the CoA, such as the artist's name, signature, and contact details. Some artists also include a brief biography or artist statement on the label. It is recommended to use acid-free paper and adhesive to avoid potential damage to the artwork over time.
Additionally, some artists choose to write directly on the back of the painting or the stretcher bars using pencil or a fine-point Sharpie. This method allows for the inclusion of essential copyright and ownership information, such as the artist's name, signature, copyright symbol, and the year the artwork was created. Other details that can be included are the title of the artwork, the medium used, the size, and any relevant notes or dates.
It is worth noting that some artists prefer to include more extensive copyright and ownership information, such as registration details or copyright notices. This additional information can be provided in the form of a separate document or card that accompanies the artwork.
Overall, the back of a painting provides a valuable space to include critical copyright and ownership information. By utilising methods such as Certificates of Authenticity, labels, stickers, or direct writing, artists can ensure that their artwork is properly identified, attributed, and protected.
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Artist's biography and contact information
When it comes to the back of a painting, artists may choose to include a variety of information, such as a biography and contact details, to ensure their work "speaks" for itself as it changes owners and locations over the years.
Including an artist biography allows buyers and viewers to know something about the artist and gain a deeper understanding of the artwork. This can be a simple paragraph or two about the artist's background, training, and any notable exhibitions or awards. It can also include a photo of the artist.
Contact information is crucial, and artists should ensure that their paintings are never without it. This can include the artist's name, studio name, website, email address, and phone number. This information can be included on a label or business card attached to the back of the painting or frame.
Some artists choose to include more detailed information on the artwork itself, such as the title, date, medium, size, and any relevant notes or stories about the creation of the piece. This information can be written directly on the back of the canvas or frame, using a pencil or a fine-point Sharpie, to ensure it lasts.
Artists may also consider including a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with their paintings, which can enhance their value and provide important details about the artwork, such as edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and any other pertinent information.
There are no hard and fast rules for what to include on the back of a painting, but by providing a combination of biographical, contact, and artwork-specific information, artists can ensure that their work is properly contextualized and that they can be reached for any future inquiries or sales.
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Certificate of Authenticity (CoA)
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) is a document that proves the authenticity and originality of a work of art, such as a painting. It is typically issued by the artist or the gallery representing the artist. While not all artists or galleries use CoAs, they are important documents that can enhance a painting's value.
A CoA should include detailed information about the artwork, such as:
- Title
- Date of creation
- Medium and materials used (including type of ink, paper, canvas, paint, varnish, etc.)
- Edition size and number (if applicable)
- Dimensions
- Artist's name and signature
- Artist's contact information or biography
In addition to the CoA, it is common to include other information on the back of a painting. This can include:
- Title
- Date
- Medium
- Size
- Artist's name and signature
- Copyright symbol
When adding information to the back of a painting, it is important to consider the surface and materials used. Some artists write directly on the back of the canvas or frame using pencil or a fine-point Sharpie, being careful not to use ink that may bleed through or damage the canvas over time. Others create custom labels with their studio name, contact information, and website, which they attach to the back of the painting or frame using adhesive or glazing medium. It is recommended to use acid-free paper and varnish to prevent the labels from distorting the canvas.
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Frequently asked questions
The essential information to put on the back of a painting includes the title, date, artist's name, and medium.
Artists have different preferences for where to write the information. Some write directly on the stretcher bars, while others write on the back of the canvas. Some artists also tuck a copy of the information card behind the stretcher bars.
Artists use different tools to write on the back of their paintings, including permanent markers, fine-point sharpies, and pencils. If using a marker or sharpie, it is important to ensure that the ink does not bleed through the canvas.
Yes, some artists prefer to use custom-made labels with their studio name, website, email, phone number, and other relevant information. These labels can be glued to the back of the canvas or attached to the frame.
In addition to the essential information mentioned earlier, artists may include notes about the painting, varnishing details, exhibition history, and even their biography or picture. Including more information can enhance the painting's value and help build the story behind the artwork.
