When you think of a Vincent Van Gogh painting, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the bright, sunflower-filled canvases that are so iconic of the Post-Impressionist artist. Or maybe you think of the more sombre and reflective works, such as “The Starry Night.” Whatever your association may be, there’s no denying that Van Gogh’s paintings are some of the most recognizable and beloved in the world.
Sadly, not all Van Gogh paintings are created equal. In recent years, the market has been flooded with fake Van Goghs, and it can be hard to tell the real ones from the fakes. Here are a few tips to help you spot a fake Van Gogh painting:
Check the signature.
One of the easiest ways to tell if a Van Gogh painting is fake is to check the signature. Van Gogh was a prolific painter, and he signed the vast majority of his works. If a painting purporting to be by Van Gogh doesn’t have a signature, it’s likely a fake.
Look for over-the-top subject matter.
While Van Gogh did paint some pretty wild scenes, he didn’t go completely over the top. If a painting features an improbably scene, such as a group of people flying or animals with human faces, it’s probably not a real Van Gogh.
Compare the painting to other Van Goghs.
If you’re not sure if a painting is a fake or not, a good way to check is to compare it to other, well-known Van Gogh paintings. If the style or subject matter doesn’t match up with what you know of Van Gogh’s oeuvre, it’s probably a fake.
Check the provenance.
The provenance of a painting is its history, or the record of its ownership. A painting with a solid provenance is more likely to be real than one without any history.
Get an expert opinion.
If you’re still not sure if a painting is real or fake, the best thing to do is to consult an expert. Art dealers and auction houses will usually have staff who are knowledgeable about authentication, and they can give you their opinion on whether or not a painting is real.
By following these tips, you should be able to spot a fake Van Gogh painting a mile away. But even if you can’t tell a fake from a real one, there’s no need to worry! the vast majority of Van Gogh’s paintings are real, and they’re still just as beautiful as ever.
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