Appreciating the Arts

Posted on: 30 June 2022

So you've decided to start or add to your art collection and are wondering how to identify an original painting. Well, you've come to the right place! This article discusses some tips for art collectors that can help determine if a painting is authentic.

Examine the Signature

One way you can tell if a painting is an original or a copy is by examining the signature. Usually, the artist will sign the painting on the front, in the lower right-hand corner. If the signature is in a different location, or if it appears to have been added later, it's more likely that the painting is a copy.

The signature should also be consistent with other examples of the artist's work. For instance, if the artist usually signs their paintings with just their initials, but the painting in question is signed with their full name, it's probably not an original.

Finally, take a close look at the quality of the signature. If it's sloppy or incomplete, the painting is likely a fake. By contrast, a genuine signature will be well-executed and watertight compared to the rest of the painting.

Check the Provenance

Checking the provenance of a painting can be a helpful way of determining whether it is an original or a copy.

The provenance is the history of ownership of a work of art, and it can often be traced back through archival records. If there are gaps in the provenance, or if the painting has changed hands multiple times in a short period, it may be more likely that the painting is a copy.

However, the absence of provenance does not necessarily mean that the painting is not original. In some cases, the records simply no longer exist. Other times, the painting may have been acquired directly from the artist or their family.

In any case, checking the provenance can be a helpful way of determining the authenticity of a painting.

Research the Artist

Many people enjoy buying and collecting paintings, but it can be difficult to tell whether a painting is an original work of art or a reproduction.

Researching the artist can be a helpful step when trying to determine if a painting is an original or a reproduction. If you know who the artist is, you can research their work and see if the painting in question matches their known style.

Try looking up the artist's biography to see if they are known to have created any reproductions of their own work. That way, you can be sure that the painting you're considering is original.

If you want to buy your painting online, do your research first. By following these tips, you can be sure that you're getting an original painting that will be a valuable addition to your art collection.

Contact a professional for more information about how to buy fine paintings.