The FAR® Blog

Fine Art Connoisseurship and its Reckoning: Processes, Problems, and Appropriate Role for the Fine Art Connoisseur in the Authentication Process

Just for the sake of example, let us pretend that you have just purchased a painting at a yard sale, or a flea market. Or perhaps stumbled upon a dusty relic in Great Grandma’s attic. You are almost certain that this find is an original from one of the masters, maybe a Picasso. What is your next move and where do you go to affirm such a find? Is it a treasure or simply decorative art? Many might feel that they should consult with the local museum curator or travel to a metropolitan area where art historians abound. Art authentication for all intents and purposes is a murky area and left in numerous cases to the gut feelings of the connoisseur. According to an article written for Fine Art Registry™ by John Dabb entitled Fine Art Connoisseurship and its Reckoning: Processes, Problems, and Appropriate Role for the Fine Art Connoisseur in the Authentication Process, this area of authentication is seriously flawed. Continue Reading »

Demystifying the Print

I don’t know about you, but my eyes glaze over when trying to determine not only the difference in the varied styles of prints, but also how to recognize what is the real thing. Many are touted to be originals when in fact they are not. If you are not educated in the subtle differences, to the untrained eye a beginning collector can be taken in. To those of us who would like to be enlightened, an article Demystifying the Print written by Michael Trant, columnist for Fine Art Registry, skillfully delivers a concise explanation. Continue Reading »

A Suggestion for Managing the Authentication Process from a Construction Angle

Single handedly, Peter Paul Biro, self-proclaimed art authenticator extraordinaire, has set the advancement of Art Authentication back on its collective heels. Damage caused by his finagling and money-grubbing tactics have put fingerprint analysis, in the case of the Pollock painting authentication, in a less than favorable light, putting it mildly.

Under the circumstances you may ask, what avenue should we take to get back on track in this most important task of authentication? In an article penned by Fine Art Registry™ columnist John Daab entitled, Fine Art Authentication Management, a concise and plausible way to manage such a daunting task is plainly outlined. Continue Reading »