What is artwork authenticity?
Definition: Authenticity in art refers to the verified authorship and origin of a work, confirming that it was created by the artist to whom it is attributed. It is one of the most critical factors affecting an artwork’s cultural significance, market value, and institutional acceptance.
Authenticity can be established through documentation (e.g., certificates of authenticity or sales records), provenance (ownership history), expert analysis, or inclusion in a catalogue raisonné. In some cases, artist foundations or authentication boards provide formal opinions, while forensic testing may be used to verify materials or signatures.
Disputes over authenticity can lead to lawsuits, invalidate sales, or devalue works. Because the stakes are high, collectors and institutions often require multiple forms of verification before acquisition. Note: many artists’ estates no longer offer formal authentication due to legal liability.
