How does the attribution of a painting impact its value?
In the art market, the value of a painting hinges on its authenticity and connection to a known artist. But not all artworks come with a clear, indisputable attribution. As such, experts, auction houses and dealers use specific terms to describe the degree of certainty in an artwork’s authorship. Understanding the difference between phrases like “attributed to,” “in the manner of,” “school of” and “follower of” is crucial when buying or selling art, as these distinctions can greatly affect a painting’s value. At Signature, we specialize in art authentication services to help clarify these uncertainties and ensure that collectors have the most accurate information possible.
The Language of Attributions
When paintings are sold, especially at auction, they are often described with nuanced terminology that suggests varying levels of certainty regarding the artist who created the work. These terms can make a significant difference in both the artwork’s value and how it is perceived by potential buyers.
Attributed to: This term is used when there is strong evidence that the artwork is by a particular artist, but not enough to declare it with complete certainty. This could be due to lack of documentation, questions about provenance, or stylistic variations. For example, a painting “attributed to Rembrandt” might share many characteristics with his confirmed works, but there could be lingering doubts. Artwork with this designation tends to be valued higher than those labeled “in the manner of” or “school of,” but less than a fully authenticated piece.
In the Manner Of: This designation is used when an artwork closely resembles the style of a particular artist but was not created by them. It suggests that the artist who created the piece was heavily influenced by the master in question, but there is no claim that it was produced by that artist or within their direct circle. For example, a painting “in the manner of Van Gogh” would resemble his bold brushstrokes and color palette but is likely the work of another artist.
School Of: This term refers to works produced by an artist who was trained in the same region or time period as the master artist, or even in their workshop. For example, a painting labeled “school of Rubens” would likely be by a lesser-known artist who worked under Rubens or was influenced by his style during the same era.
Follower Of: This description indicates that the artist was influenced by the style of a famous master, often after their lifetime, but there is no direct connection between them. A painting described as a “follower of Caravaggio” would have been made by someone who admired and emulated Caravaggio’s technique, likely much later.
How These Designations Impact Value
The differences in these attributions are not merely academic—they have a tangible impact on the market value of an artwork. A painting “attributed to” a famous artist could be worth a substantial sum, often close to the market value of a fully authenticated piece, especially if it is seen as likely to be authentic by some experts. By contrast, works labeled “in the manner of” or “school of” are usually valued significantly lower, as they lack the direct connection to the artist in question.
To illustrate, a painting attributed to Rembrandt might fetch millions at auction, especially if there is ongoing debate about its authenticity. In contrast, a work from the “school of Rembrandt” might be valued at a fraction of that amount, despite its historical and stylistic significance. Buyers are willing to pay more for the possibility of owning an original by a master, whereas works merely inspired by or related to an artist’s circle do not command the same premium.
At Signature, our painting authentication services help clients navigate these distinctions by providing clear, well-researched attributions. In addition to confirming or disputing an artwork’s authenticity, we also offer fine art appraisals, ensuring that collectors understand the true value of their pieces, whether they are “attributed to” a master or otherwise.
Legal Considerations for Auction Houses
Auction houses and art dealers must be particularly careful when assigning attributions to avoid legal or liability issues. Misattributions can lead to costly legal disputes, especially if a buyer believes they have been misled about the authenticity or origin of a work. For this reason, auction houses often use conservative language like “attributed to” rather than making definitive claims. Auction houses may rely on expert opinions, but they also understand the need for caution when making bold statements about a painting’s origins. Inaccurate attributions can tarnish their reputations and lead to financial losses.
At Signature, we assist auction houses, galleries and private collectors by offering comprehensive art authentication research services. By building a solid case for authenticity through detailed comparative analysis, provenance research, and cutting-edge scientific techniques, we provide the evidence needed to confidently attribute artworks. Our reports are thorough and professionally recognized, reducing the risk of misattribution and enhancing trust between buyers and sellers.
