Authenticating Artwork: Value in Validation

If you follow news of the artworld, or are watching a movie, one of the perennial themes in real life as well as fiction is the question of fake reproductions of masterpieces. Consider for a moment the painting by Leonardo Da Vinci titled Salvator Mundi. Not only has the authenticity of the original been heavily scrutinized, there are 12 copies painted by Da Vinci’s students and variations created by other students and followers of Da Vinci. Whether a classic painting such as Salvator Mundi, or more recent knock offs such as fake Rothkos, the authenticity of artwork matters
So how do art collectors ensure their pieces are authentic?
 
TRUSTED SOURCES
Many art dealers and galleries will provide a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA). While a CoA can be a valuable document, they are also a commonly forged document so we rely on further documentation of provenance – the paper trail of previous ownership or record of sale – and study of the artwork to prove authenticity.
 
The best way to know that art you are investing in is authentic is to buy from trusted sources. Galleries usually have a relationship with the artists they represent, and can provide information on their work and artistic process in addition to specific information on a piece you are interested in purchasing. Most serious contemporary artists have websites and are happy to verify (or disavow) the authenticity of an artwork.

Similarly, auction houses are selective with the pieces they accept for auction. Before including a piece in an auction, a credible auction house will have experts look at the piece and will often list provenance of an artwork. Before attending an auction or bidding on a piece, review the description and make inquiries regarding the provenance of an artwork. Ask about the previous ownership and location of an artwork. [3]  It is good practice to follow up on the information provided. In addition to verifying the provenance of an artwork, you may find other information to inform your purchase. The more knowledge you have about an artwork and the artist the more you are likely to enjoy it.
 
KNOW THE ARTIST
The most direct way to be sure of the authenticity of an artwork is to know the artist. While artists have a reputation of being reclusive, most will welcome the opportunity to discuss their artwork with an interested buyer. Although artist receptions have been curbed in Covid times, you can still connect digitally, or simply over the phone.
Whether you buy directly from an artist, a gallery or at an auction be sure to get full documentation of the sale to keep in your records. When you decide to get an appraisal, provide all the information you have to your appraiser. The more information you provide, the further ahead you’ll be in receiving an accurate valuation of your artwork.
 
OPPORTUNIST BUYING
Although gallery, auction and artist -direct purchases are the most trust worthy, many knowledgeable collectors comb antique stores and flea markets hoping to find that hidden gem. Opportunist purchases can be good investments, however, you need to have significant knowledge for a “find” to be fruitful.
One of my clients is a highly educated art historian who claims to have an original William Hogarth drawing in his collection. The drawing was purchased from a reputable auction house, but not identified as a Hogarth. Following extensive research, he asked me to appraise the drawing for him. In order to provide an accurate appraisal, I referred the client to an authenticator to verify the authenticity of the drawing as an original William Hogarth.
​
To be clear, authentication is a scientific process that analyses the materials as well as use of materials to determine the artist or creator of an artwork. In this case, the potential increase in value was definitely worth the cost of authentication. 
Although most appraisers are not authenticators, we work closely with authenticators and conservators, and can help you determine when it is worthwhile to authenticate or restore an artwork.
If you have questions about artwork in your collection, please contact us at  [email protected].