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