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AUTHENTICATION OF ARTWORK

The authentication of any work of art is difficult at best, It can be along and tiring process. It most often starts by identifying the artist, if the art is signed and the artist is listed in one of the many reference books, your almost there. The only question is it an original or a copy most of the time there is no reason to question its authenticity unless the art is atypical of the artists recognized work. Artists that cannot be found in the available reference books many be listed in books that relate only to local areas, or in printed information about a period of time or event. This is when the research begins, you need to identify as closely as possible when the art was done, and where.

Things like type of canvas the painting is on, the wood and the configuration of the stretcher bars, current condition of the paint, surface varnish can all be clues, may establish age and location. There may be signature or writing on the back or on the bars it may be a name or address even framers instructions. Look for labels from galleries, shows or framers. 
The subject of the art as well as the style in which it is done, may provide clues to when, where or who. If the art includes people the style of dress are all things that may be used in identifying time or place.

With as many clues as possible you then look for the expert in that area, it maybe a historical society, local museum, or art gallery specializing in that type, or period of art. Authentication or identification sometimes takes years, and even then may not be conclusive. Or may even be challenged years latter when additional information becomes available.

With modern technology there are tests that can be made to determine the age and composition of materials but most often these are very expensive and impractical for the average art you will obtain therefore not a practical for the average collector.

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