Authenticating and Evaluating Paintings and Other Art Objects
(above: Wayman Elbridge Adams, The Art Jury, 1921, oil on canvas, 82.2 x 54.2 inches, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Gift to the Art Association through popular subscription, 26.189. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons*
While Traditional Fine Arts Organization (TFAO) does not provide authentication services, the information in this report is provided as a public service and may be of help to readers studying approaches to authentication and evaluation of their works of art. Following are questions often asked by people seeking to better understand art objects which they own or are considering for purchase.
Paintings
Other art objects
Other online resources
The International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR) website includes an informative page within its Educational Resources section titled "Collector's Corner." Thirteen important topics are covered on issues such as "Provenance Research," "Verifying Authenticity," "Determining a Work's Condition," "Documenting Your Collection" and many more. [accessed February, 2014]
Quesstions from readers
Return to Resources for Collectors, Life Long Learners, Students and Teachers of Art History
TFAO catalogues:
American Representational Art links to dozens of topics in American Representational Art
Audio Online a catalogue of online streaming audio recordings
Collections of Historic American Art notable private collections
Distinguished Artists a national registry of historic artists
Geographic Tour of American Representational Art History a catalogue of articles and essays that describe the evolution of American art from the inception of the United States to WWII.
Illustrated Audio Online streaming online narrated slide shows
Articles and Essays Online substantive texts published outside of Resource Library
Videos Online a comprehensive catalogue of online full motion videos streamed free to viewers
Videos an authoritative guide to videos in VHS and DVD format
Books general reference books published on paper
Interactive media media in CD-ROM format
Magazines paper-published magazines and journals
*Tag for expired US copyright of object image:
Links to sources of information outside of our web site are provided only as referrals for your further consideration. Please use due diligence in judging the quality of information contained in these and all other web sites. Information from linked sources may be inaccurate or out of date. TFAO neither recommends or endorses these referenced organizations. Although TFAO includes links to other web sites, it takes no responsibility for the content or information contained on those other sites, nor exerts any editorial or other control over them. For more information on evaluating web pages see TFAO's General Resources section in Online Resources for Collectors and Students of Art History.
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