Art Collecting: The Essentials of Authenticating and Attributing Art

The Importance of Qualified Authorities

When it comes to authenticating and attributing art, the credibility of the source is paramount. Certificates of authenticity, provenance documents, and other forms of validation are meaningless unless they are issued by recognized and qualified authorities. These authorities are individuals or institutions with extensive knowledge and expertise in the specific artist or art form in question.

Defining "Attributed"

In the art world, the term "attributed" refers to a work of art that is believed to be created by a specific artist, based on the judgment of a qualified authority. This judgment is often supported by extensive research, published papers, and curatorial experience. The key term here is "qualified authority," which distinguishes credible attributions from baseless claims.

Who Qualifies as an Authority?

Qualified authorities are individuals who have dedicated significant time and effort to studying a particular artist. They may have published scholarly articles, curated major exhibitions, or taught courses on the artist. Additionally, they might have bought or sold numerous works by the artist, written books or catalog essays, or have formal legal entitlements to authenticate the artist's work.

Examples of Qualified Authorities:

• Art Historians: Scholars who have extensively studied and published works on the artist.
• Curators: Professionals who have organized major exhibitions featuring the artist's work.
• Direct Descendants: Family members or heirs who have legal rights to authenticate the artist's work.
• The Artist Themselves: When available, the artist is the ultimate authority on their own work.

Who Are Not Qualified?

The list of unqualified individuals is extensive, but some common characteristics can help identify them. These include people who make attributions based on superficial similarities, hearsay, or unverified claims. For instance, sellers who claim a piece is by a certain artist because it "looks like" their work or because a previous owner said so are not reliable sources.

Common Red Flags:

• Superficial Judgments: Attributions based on visual similarities without scholarly backing.
• Hearsay: Claims based on what previous owners or sellers have said.
• Unqualified Appraisers: Appraisers who do not have the credentials to authenticate art.

The Role of Provenance

Provenance, or the history of ownership of a piece of art, plays a crucial role in authentication. A well-documented provenance can significantly enhance the credibility of an artwork. However, provenance documents must also be verified by qualified authorities to ensure their authenticity.

Interesting Stats

• Art Market Size: The global art market was valued at approximately $64.1 billion in 2019 (source: Art Basel & UBS Global Art Market Report).
• Forgery Rates: It is estimated that up to 50% of artworks in the market could be forgeries or misattributions (source: The Art Newspaper).

Conclusion

In the intricate world of art collecting, the importance of qualified authorities cannot be overstated. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice, ensuring that the art you acquire is authenticated and attributed by recognized experts is crucial. By doing so, you not only protect your investment but also contribute to the integrity of the art market.

For more information on art authentication, you can refer to resources like the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR) and the Art Loss Register.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the essentials of art authentication and attribution, emphasizing the importance of relying on qualified authorities and verified provenance. By understanding these fundamentals, collectors can make more informed decisions and navigate the art market with greater confidence.