Is My Painting Authentic? A First Step Before Further Investigation
An inherited painting. An unfamiliar signature. A discovery at an estate sale. Could it deserve further investigation?
After decades working with art, I know how often owners face this question. They have a painting that interests them, but they do not know where to begin—or whether to invest in more extensive research.
That is why I have launched Is My Painting Authentic?, a service offering an AI-generated preliminary visual assessment for US$50 per painting, delivered by email.
Its purpose is straightforward: to help you examine the available clues, understand the limitations of photographs, and identify sensible next steps.
Who Is This Service For?
The service is intended for painting owners seeking an initial exploration of a work’s possible artist, period, or attribution.
Perhaps you inherited a painting with a family story attached. Perhaps its signature resembles that of a known artist. Or perhaps you simply want to understand which features and questions deserve attention before approaching a specialist.
You do not need to know the artist’s name to submit your painting. Provide whatever information you have, and distinguish documented facts from family stories or assumptions.
What Photographs Should You Upload?
You can submit up to four photographs, in JPG, PNG, or WebP format, with a maximum size of 2 MB per image.
For the most useful submission, include:
The complete front: photographed straight on, in even light, without glare.
The complete back: including the support, stretcher, frame, and any visible markings.
The signature or inscription: a sharp close-up, if one is present.
Labels or other details: exhibition labels, stamps, handwritten notes, or an area you would like examined.
Photograph the painting as it is. Avoid filters, colour enhancement, and retouching. Do not remove labels, clean the surface, or dismantle the work to obtain photographs.
The form also asks for the attributed artist, if known, dimensions, medium and support, and what you know about its history.
What Does the Report Contain?
The report discusses visible features in the submitted photographs and considers how they may relate to the artist or period you identify.
It can highlight questions about stylistic compatibility, signatures, materials visible in photographs, and the information still needed for further investigation.
It also suggests next steps, which may include obtaining better photographs, checking documentary records, consulting an appropriate specialist, or arranging a physical examination.
An inconclusive result is possible. Sometimes the most useful finding is that the available evidence does not support a meaningful conclusion.
What Are Its Limitations?
This service does not authenticate a painting.
The report is generated by AI. It is not my personal expert opinion, and purchasing it does not include a review by me or another human specialist.
It is not a certificate of authenticity, an appraisal, or a guarantee of attribution or value. Photographs cannot establish authorship or substitute for physical examination, technical analysis, and documentary research. AI can also misinterpret images and produce inaccurate statements.
A signature, stylistic resemblance, or encouraging observation should therefore be treated as a research lead—not proof.
How Does It Work?
Complete the form with your painting’s details.
Upload your photographs.
Read and accept the assessment notice.
Make the one-time US$50 payment.
Receive your preliminary report by email after processing.
Your photographs and submitted artwork information are processed using OpenAI to prepare the assessment.
The question is not whether a computer can certify your painting. The useful question is whether the available clues suggest a direction for further investigation.
Explore the service at www.ismypaintingauthentic.com.
Gérard Van Weyenbergh
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