When it comes to buying art, whether you’re a first time buyer or a seasoned art collector, it is always important to ensure that whatever art you’re purchasing, it is authentic. But why does this matter?
Authenticity is a matter of truth, value and cultural preservation, underpinning the trust between artists, collectors, galleries and art institutions. The economic implications of forgeries are just the tip of the iceberg, with reputational damage and a seismic distortion of art history on the line if we aren’t fully in tune with the importance, process and understanding of the authenticity of art.
What is art authentication?
Art authentication is the process of verifying that an artwork was created by the artist in which it is attributed to. This can be done through a number of different methods, including expert analysis, scientific testing and historical documentation. Authentication goes way beyond identifying an artist’s name. It delves into when and how it was created, the materials used, how it fits with the rest of the artist’s other work, as well as its documented ownership or provenance.
What is provenance?
One of the very first fundamentals to grasp when purchasing art is provenance. Provenance is the documented history of ownership and transfer of an artwork from its creator to its present owner.
A complete provenance may include:
- The artist who created it and the date of creation
- Initial sale information
- Subsequent owners and collectors
- Dealers, agents or intermediaries who arranged the sales
- Records of exhibitions, auctions and publications
Having provenance is critically important to protecting your investment and will contribute to growing this investment long-term. It helps establish authenticity, adds market value and prestige, prevents legal disputes, and can tell the story of your artwork, from creation to present day.
The importance of a clear ownership chain
Establishing a clear chain of ownership is another integral component of provenance research. From the artwork’s inception to now, this process involves identifying each owner throughout its lifecycle. Gaps or inconsistencies in the documentation are not uncommon and can raise questions about the artwork’s legitimacy, opening up concerns around misattribution or forgery.
When gaps appear:
- Be transparent, clearly annotate where it is incomplete.
- Seek expert analysis to support the documented findings.
- Approach “red flag” periods with caution unless supported by exhaustive research.
Broken chains of ownership could indicate stolen goods, especially during wartime or in regions with high illicit trade. In some cases, gaps in provenance can be used to hide money laundering or create fake transactions to evade taxes. It’s also worth noting that broken chains and lack of the correct documentation reduce the value of art significantly and can make it impossible to sell to reputable art collectors and galleries.
Regardless of who and where you purchase art from, you should always question its authenticity. Aside from good provenance and documentation, it never hurts to get a second opinion. This can be from an appraisal expert who will have a vast amount of knowledge in examining stylistics, material analysis, signature markings and art condition.
If you go to an expert for authentication, don’t simply take a yes or no. Make sure to get evidence as to why they have reached their conclusion, what sources they have used, and get an understanding of their ways of working.
In order to achieve accurate authentication of art, an appraiser must have the appropriate education, experience and understanding of the market, along with sufficient access to databases that examine the behaviours in art market sales. It’s often art appraisers have backgrounds in museums and institutions, be art historians or have an experienced gallery background.
Practical tips for art buyers
Whether you’re buying your first David Shrigley print or investing into a mammoth art collection, successful art purchases require careful research, due diligence and expert guidance. Doing so will help you navigate the art market with confidence, minimise risk, and ensure the authenticity and value of a purchase. The following practical tips outline key considerations for art buyers at every level.
Researching the artist and the artwork
Look into the artist’s background, career trajectory and market history before making any purchases. It’s also important to get information on comparable sales from the artist to understand the artist’s significance and value in today’s market. For the artwork itself, make sure to confirm any dates, editions, collections, and if it fits with the artist’s wider body of work.
Verifying the seller's reputation
Always assess who and where you’re buying from. Reputable sellers, galleries and dealers should have a transparent sales history and be willing to answer any questions. Read reviews, check to see if they have any affiliations to professional bodies and talk to people in the art world, this way you’ll get a good understanding whether sellers are genuine. Be cautious of anyone who applies pressure to a sale or fails to answer any of your questions.
Obtaining thorough documentation
Ensure the artwork is accompanied by complete and credible documentation, including provenance, certificates of authenticity, condition reports, and exhibition or publication history where available. Clear documentation gives you confidence in authenticity and protects both the artwork’s value and your ownership rights.
Consulting with art experts and appraisers
Independent experts can provide valuable insight into authenticity, condition and fair market value. Appraisers can also identify restoration issues or risks that may not be immediately visible, helping you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing.
Working with reputable galleries and auction houses
Established galleries and auction houses look to conduct more rigorous due diligence, reducing further risk for buyers. They also offer specialist knowledge and market insights, making them a valuable resource when it comes to purchasing.
Determining whether a piece of art is authentic is never about one single clue. It’s a process that combines research, expert analysis, documentation, and a broad understanding of the art market and the context surrounding the work.
As you grow more comfortable evaluating authenticity, you may find new questions naturally emerging. How do I know if I’m paying a fair price for art? Does an authenticated artwork always hold or increase its value over time? And is buying art a good investment? These are important considerations for anyone purchasing art. Exploring these questions can help you move beyond authenticity alone and make more informed decisions about which art you’re investing in and why.
For any queries on art, authentication, and more, our experts are always on hand to get you best prepared from the first point of purchase.
Header Photo by Abbie Bernet on Unsplash
