Authenticity is among the most important factors in art and its market value. To be assigned value, an item must first be determined to be in fact related to the artist, time, or place. Something that appears to be an impressive art piece loses much of its value if its authenticity is in question.
Authenticating art isn’t as simple as verifying the signature and date. Experts will consider a variety of other elements, including materials, technique, style and the cultural context, in order to determine whether the item fits in with other works associated with the artist, style, time period or location. A painting attributed to an early twentieth century artist would need to feature materials, such as pigments and canvas, which would have been available during that period. If modern materials are found, further investigation would be needed.
Authenticating an artwork may also be supported by existing documentation such as sales records, exhibition catalogs, gallery receipts, ownership records and other documentation. Documentation of an item’s ownership, often referred to as provenance, can be one of the best indicators of legitimacy for an art appraisal. Art that has a long trail of ownership through reputable collectors and institutions can carry greater value and be perceived as more trustworthy.
Not every piece is perfectly documented; however, it’s certainly not uncommon for an art piece to be legitimately owned for decades without being properly documented and verified. In some instances, it’s not possible to obtain all or any documentation for an item, as it may have been purchased, sold, willed or given privately, for example. This is something that appraisers can be better equipped to handle by using other techniques, such as physical examination and comparison to other pieces to reach a conclusion.
Advancements in technology have greatly improved the authentication process. Modern techniques like infrared photography, ultraviolet lighting, microscopic examination and other methods allow appraisers to see details that would be invisible to the naked eye. These processes can show things such as a sketch or other marks beneath paint, modifications made at later dates, or restoration which can all help to verify the item as an authentic work and can affect its value. Many institutions, from museums and art galleries to collectors, use scientific analysis as an important part of the authentication process to reach a conclusion on the value of a piece.
The increased availability of online art has made authenticating art more important than ever. The growth of online art marketplaces and other sites has given artists from all over the world a way to reach buyers with their art in a more convenient way. Yet these types of platforms may also allow more items to be offered to the public that have incorrect attribution or aren’t authentic. Being able to understand the basics of authentication can go a long way in helping collectors and others who aren’t art experts know what to look for in a good art piece and in avoiding costly mistakes.
Art appraisers use a variety of tools and techniques as they try to determine authenticity. These tools may include historical research, physical examination and technical analysis to help verify the work against the artist and its time period, as well as market knowledge. Their work serves many purposes, such as ensuring collectors receive an accurate assessment of value and establishing trust in the market. Authenticating art helps collectors be well informed about what they’re buying to support them in making good choices, and establishes trust in the art market.
Understanding authenticity helps art appraisal students build a foundation for learning more about art and determining value. Knowing about what makes a particular piece valuable and how an item is authenticated can be more important than simply knowing trends within the market or who’s currently buying a particular style of art.