Authentication and Evaluation of Art Objects

Authentication and Evaluation of Art Objects

While TFAO does not provide authentication services, the information in this report is provided as a public service and may be of help to readers studying approaches to authentication and evaluation of their works of art. Following are questions often asked by people seeking to better understand art objects which they own or are considering for purchase.

Paintings

Is the art an original (one-of-a-kind) painting or print or is it a reproduction?

Is the painting authentic? Is it hand copied from an original? Does it have a fake signature?

How about retaining a professional authenticator?

What is the condition of the painting?

What is the provenance of the painting (its history)?

Other art objects

Videos by Mark Sublette

Quesstions from readers

TFAO introduced in 2007 a page that publishes emails sent by readers with questions. To see this page click here.

Return to Resources for Collectors, Life Long Learners, Students and Teachers of Art History

Note:

Links to sources of information outside of our website are provided only as referrals for your further consideration. Please use due diligence in judging the quality of information contained in these and all other websites. Information from linked sources may be inaccurate or out of date. TFAO neither recommends or endorses these referenced organizations. Although TFAO includes links to other web sites, it takes no responsibility for the content or information contained on those other sites, nor exerts any editorial or other control over them. For more information on evaluating online information see TFAO's General Resources section in Online Resources for Collectors and Students of Art History.

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