With the advancement of technology, it can be difficult to tell the difference between real and fake art. As technology continues to evolve, so does the sophistication of the tools used to create counterfeit art. With the help of modern 3D printing, it’s even easier for fraudsters to create convincing copies of original works. Fortunately, there are several ways to tell the difference between real and fake art.
1. Check the Provenance
Provenance is a term used to describe the history of an artwork. It includes the artist’s name, the artwork’s title, its date of creation, and details of its ownership. Checking the provenance is the most reliable way to tell the difference between real and fake art. Legitimate artworks typically have a document that records the artwork’s history. This document should include the artist’s signature and the date of creation.
2. Check the Quality of the Work
The quality of the artwork can also be a telltale sign of authenticity. Genuine artworks are made with the highest quality materials and attention to detail. Fake artworks usually lack the finesse and precision of original pieces. Examining the quality of the work can help you tell real art from fake art.
3. Look for Reputable Sources
It’s important to buy artwork from reputable sources like galleries, auctions, and dealers. Reputable sources typically have a good reputation for selling authentic artwork. Fraudsters usually don’t have access to reputable sources, so buying art from them is risky. If you’re unsure of a source, it’s best to err on the side of caution and look for another source.
4. Look for Hallmarks of Authenticity
Many artworks have hallmarks of authenticity. These hallmarks are usually located on the back or bottom of the artwork. These hallmarks include the artist’s signature, the date of creation, and the title of the artwork. If the artwork has any of these hallmarks, it’s likely to be authentic.
5. Look for Signs of Age
Genuine artwork is usually older than counterfeit artwork. Fraudsters usually use modern tools and materials to create fake art. If the artwork appears to be too new, it’s likely to be a fake. You can also look for signs of age on the artwork itself. If the artwork has signs of yellowing, fading, or wear, it’s likely to be genuine.
6. Check the Price
The price of an artwork can also be a telltale sign of authenticity. Authentic artwork is typically expensive because it’s made with high-quality materials and is well sought-after. If the price of the artwork is too good to be true, it’s likely to be a fake. If you’re unsure of the price, it’s best to look for another artwork.
7. Verify the Artist
It’s important to verify the artist of the artwork. To do this, you can look up the artist’s name on the internet or contact the artist directly. If the artist is a well-known artist, it’s likely that there’s information about them online. You can also contact the artist’s gallery or dealer to verify the authenticity of the artwork.
8. Get an Appraisal
If you’re still unsure of the artwork’s authenticity, you can get an appraisal from an expert. An expert appraiser can examine the artwork and provide an opinion on its authenticity. Appraisers can also provide a written appraisal of the artwork. This appraisal can be used to authenticate the artwork and prove its value.
9. Take a Close Look at the Artwork
Taking a close look at the artwork can help you tell real art from fake art. Genuine artworks usually have a few imperfections due to the artist’s hand. Fake artworks usually lack the imperfections of genuine artworks. Taking a close look at the artwork can help you identify any imperfections or flaws that can help you tell the difference between real and fake art.
10. Consider Professional Authentication Services
If all else fails, you can always consider professional authentication services. Professional authentication services can examine the artwork and provide an opinion on its authenticity. These services are usually expensive, but they can provide the most reliable way to tell the difference between real and fake art.
Conclusion
With the help of modern technology, it can be difficult to tell real art from fake art. Fortunately, there are several ways to tell the difference between real and fake art. Checking the provenance, examining the quality of the work, looking for reputable sources, and looking for hallmarks of authenticity are all ways to tell real art from fake art. If you’re still unsure of the artwork’s authenticity, you can always consider getting an appraisal from an expert or using professional authentication services.