The fine art market is as exhilarating as it is complex. For collectors, nothing rivals the thrill of acquiring a rare piece, but with that thrill comes risk. Art forgery has plagued collectors and institutions for centuries, and today, it’s more sophisticated than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or new to collecting, learning techniques to try to determine authentic art is essential.
This guide breaks down key tools and strategies for spotting fakes, including certificates of authenticity (COAs), catalog raisonnés, UV light analysis, provenance, and common red flags.
Detecting Forgery with Certificates of Authenticity (COAs)
A Certificate of Authenticity is often the first document a collector looks for when assessing a work of art. However, COAs are not always foolproof. Anyone can create a certificate, and many fakes come with convincing-looking documents.
Tip: A COA should come from a reputable authority such as the artist, a recognized estate or foundation, the artist’s official gallery or publisher, or a known expert of that artist. Look for detailed information: title, medium, dimensions, edition number (if applicable), and the issuing authority’s contact details.
Catalog Raisonnés
A catalog raisonné is a comprehensive, scholarly listing of all known works by an artist. These volumes are vital for verifying whether a work exists within the artist’s recognized oeuvre.
Tip: If a work is not listed in the catalog raisonné, or is listed as questionable or rejected, proceed with extreme caution. Always consult the most recent edition and verify whether any updates or supplements have been published.
Comment: Not all artists have a catalog raisonné that has been created or published. Additionally, some catalog raisonné do not include every work the artist created. It is common for these catalogs to be compiled after an artist’s passing, and many works may not have been documented by the artist during their lifetime, leading to their omission from the catalog.
UV Light Analysis on Forgeries
Ultraviolet (UV) light can reveal important clues about a painting’s surface, condition, and age. It can expose repairs, overpainting, varnish layers, and inconsistencies that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Tip: While UV light won’t prove authenticity on its own, it can raise important questions. For example, if a piece claims to be from 1900 but shows modern pigments or restoration inconsistent with its alleged age, that’s a red flag.
Provenance
Provenance is the documented history of an artwork’s ownership. A strong provenance can lend credibility, while gaps or vague histories may raise suspicion.
Tip: Look for documentation like gallery invoices, auction records, exhibition catalogs, published references, or previous appraisals. Be wary of long, undocumented periods or ownership chains that can’t be verified.
Common Red Flags to Detect Forgery
Even without formal tools, your own observation can be a powerful asset. Common red flags include:
- Signatures that don’t match the artist’s known hand.
- Inconsistent materials or techniques for the artist or time period.
- Suspiciously low prices, especially for well-known names.
- Lack of credible documentation, even if a COA is present.
Final Thoughts on Spotting a Fake Item
Authenticating artwork is part science, part scholarship, and part detective work. No single method guarantees authenticity; instead, it’s the convergence of evidence that tells the story. When in doubt, consult professionals: authenticators of that artist, artist estates or foundations, independent certified appraisers, reputable dealers, or auction house specialists.
In the art world, knowledge is your best protection. By arming yourself with the right tools and skepticism, you can confidently build a collection of genuine, valuable works.
Need artwork appraised? Contact Kelly to submit your artwork, and get its value appraised.
