How to Spot a Fake: 10 Telltale Signs Your Artwork Might Be a Forgery
The art world is full of surprises, and while some discoveries turn out to be long-lost masterpieces, others reveal expertly crafted forgeries designed to fool even the sharpest collectors. So, how can you tell if your artwork is the real deal or just an elaborate fake?
At Signature, our fine art authentication experts specialize in identifying forgeries through stylistic analysis, provenance research, and scientific testing. But before you call in the professionals, here are 10 telltale signs that your artwork might not be as authentic as you think—and how you can verify its legitimacy.
1. The Signature Doesn’t Match
A forger’s first hurdle? The artist’s signature. But replicating it perfectly is harder than it looks.
Red Flags:
The signature appears shaky or inconsistent
It looks too “fresh” compared to the rest of the artwork
It doesn’t match known authentic examples
How We Authenticate: Our experts conduct artist signature verification, comparing your artwork’s signature with documented originals using high-resolution imaging and handwriting analysis.
2. The Brushstrokes Feel “Off”
Red Flags:
The strokes are too mechanical (forgers often rely on stencils or digital prints)
The artist’s known technique isn’t present (e.g., Van Gogh’s thick impasto is missing)
The layering and composition don’t match the artist’s process
How We Authenticate: Through stylistic analysis, we study an artist’s unique painting techniques, brushwork, and material application to determine whether your artwork matches their historical style.
3. The Paint Is Too Modern
Red Flags:
A painting claimed to be from the 1600s but contains modern synthetic pigments
The paint layers dry too fast (old oil paintings take decades to fully cure)
There’s a smell of fresh paint—not something you’d expect from a century-old work
How We Authenticate: Through scientific pigment analysis, we examine whether the paint contains historically accurate materials or if modern elements suggest a fake.
4. The Canvas or Paper Looks Too New
Red Flags:
A “Renaissance painting” on a canvas that looks factory-fresh
The back of the painting is suspiciously clean
No signs of aging (e.g., cracking, darkened varnish, old stretcher bars)
How We Authenticate: We use UV light, infrared imaging, and carbon dating to examine the artwork’s materials and determine if they align with the supposed time period.
5. The Provenance Has “Gaps”
Red Flags:
The seller can’t provide documentation of previous ownership
The provenance conveniently starts in the last 20 years
The artwork has a suspiciously dramatic backstory (“It was smuggled out of a European castle during WWII”)
How We Authenticate: We conduct provenance research, tracing the artwork’s ownership history, exhibition records, and auction sales to confirm its authenticity.
6. The Price Feels Too Good to Be True
Red Flags:
A “lost Monet” for $5,000 on eBay
The seller pushes for quick payment and secrecy
The price is significantly lower than market value
How We Authenticate: We analyze market trends, sales records, and historical valuations to determine whether the artwork’s pricing is realistic or suspicious.
7. The Frame Looks Mass-Produced
Red Flags:
A supposedly 18th-century painting in a cheap modern frame
No signs of wear, dust, or aging
Staples instead of old-fashioned nails or wooden pegs
How We Authenticate: We examine the frame, stretcher bars, and mounting materials to verify whether they match the painting’s claimed age.
8. There’s an Unusual Lack of Detail
Red Flags:
Elements appear blurred or incomplete
Faces, hands, or eyes look unnatural (many forgers struggle with anatomy)
The work feels stiff compared to the artist’s usual fluidity
How We Authenticate: Our comparative analysis examines the artwork’s level of detail and compares it to verified works by the artist.
9. The Artwork “Glows” Under UV Light
Red Flags:
Bright fluorescence suggests modern chemicals or synthetic materials
Repaints, touch-ups, or hidden layers become visible
Forgery techniques like artificial aging tricks can be exposed
How We Authenticate: We use ultraviolet (UV) and infrared scanning to uncover hidden layers, alterations, and inconsistencies.
10. The Paperwork Seems Suspicious
Red Flags:
Certificates of authenticity look mass-produced
The seller can’t explain the source of documentation
Provenance contains unverifiable or fake gallery names
How We Authenticate: We verify all documentation, gallery records, and certificates to ensure they come from reputable sources.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Artwork Might Be a Fake
Think your artwork might be a forgery? Don’t panic—many pieces are misattributed rather than deliberately faked. The only way to be sure is through professional fine art authentication.
At Signature, our team of art authentication experts uses a combination of:
Stylistic Analysis (examining brushwork, technique, and composition)
Provenance Research (tracing ownership history and documentation)
Scientific Testing (UV light, carbon dating, and pigment analysis)
Don’t let uncertainty devalue your collection! If you own an artwork that you believe could be genuine, let our experts verify its authenticity and ensure you have a true masterpiece in your possession.
Think you have a lost treasure? Contact us today for a consultation!
