7 important things to know about artist signatures

CHRISTIE'S, INC.
Holly Black consults Christie’s specialists, a conservator, a gallerist and an expert cataloguer on the truths an artist’s mark can reveal, the insights they offer into process and why — sometimes — a false signature can conceal noble intentions In research terms, a signature is always one piece in a larger puzzle. ‘Often something might be obscured due to oxidation, so if we uncover anything we are careful to examine it under a microscope. Everything you need is in the painting itself — you just need the eye.’ [More]

  1. It all began with the Renaissance
  2. Signatures can be part of the artistic process
  3. They can be useful for dating works
  4. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there
  5. False signatures can be the result of good intentions — although not always
  6. How to spot a fake signature
  7. Signatures are important — but not essential