Canvas For Painting – Custom Size

Global counterfeiting in art is on the rise—up to half of works in some markets may be fake. The counterfeit trade across all sectors, including art, is massive. Global estimates hit trillions annually. Knowing these checks keeps your collection safe and your investment sound.

1. Surface Texture & Brushstrokes

Look closely at the finish. Is the surface raised, uneven, or rich with impasto? A genuine painting shows variation in stroke width and depth; prints are flat and uniform. Under magnification, digital prints often reveal dot patterns.

2. Signature & Edge Inspection

Compare the artist’s signature to known verified examples. Originals may have aged, faded signatures integrated into the paint. Check the edges. Real paintings typically feature paint wrapping or brush marks around the stretcher which are uncommon in prints or pasted reproductions.

3. Turn It Over: What the Back Reveals

The verso can tell you plenty such as a gallery label, framing date, exhibition stamps, or handwritten notes add context. Conversely, brand new stretchers, stains from fake varnish, or glued-on backing can hint at forgery.

4. Provenance & Paper Trail

Ask for exhibition records, sales receipts, or inclusion in a catalogue raisonné (an annotated listing of the works of an artist). Well-documented lineage shows the work’s journey from studio to collector. Studies show artworks with solid provenance are more likely genuine and faster to sell.

5. Scientific & Expert Verification

When in doubt, use more advanced methods. Infrared, UV, x-ray, or pigment analysis can expose overpaints or mismatched materials. Connoisseurs rely on these techniques and their trained eye to confirm or reject claims.

Spotting an original artwork takes more than a trained eye. It takes a systematic check of texture, signature, verso, provenance, and, when needed, science. Whether you’re collecting, investing, or preserving art history, these steps help you move forward with confidence.