A recent painting listed at auction stated that the successful bidder would receive a Certificate of Attribution. Really? What does this mean? My recommendation? THINK TWICE BEFORE BIDDING!
When purchasing artworks you may wish to read the following information which is readily available on several websites:
This is the conventional way of describing the relation between the artist and the work of art.
- Pablo Picasso: The auction house believes this is an original work by the artist
- Pablo Picasso (replica): The auction house believes that the artist him/herself made this work as a replica of their own, previous original.
- Pablo Picasso (attributed to): The auction house finds it likely that this is an original work, but is not prepared to guarantee this.
- Pablo Picasso (his studio): The auction house believes that the work was made in the artist’s studio and possibly under their supervision.
- Pablo Picasso (his circle): The auction house believes that the work was made by another artist but during the lifetime of the named artist and in their manner.
- Pablo Picasso (follower of): The auction house believes that the work was done in the manner of the named artist, during their lifetime or later.
- Pablo Picasso (in the manner of): The auction house believes that the work is done in the manner of the named artist but after their lifetime.
- Pablo Picasso (after): The auction house believes that the work was made by another artist, based on an original work by the named artist.