Before heading to the gallery, read these tips:
— Research the artist and the type of art you intend to purchase. Consult an expert or an artists foundation that can recommend trusted sellers and review your print to ensure authenticity.
— Consult a good, scholarly compilation of an artist’s work, which will tell you the technique of manufacture, size of image, size of the printed sheet and the edition size.
— Ask the seller for the provenance, or history, of the print. Ask where the seller bought the print and how long the seller has owned it.
— Work with a well-known art dealer. If the print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity , check to see if the COA entitles the owner to return the print.
— Ask for an evaluation of the work from an expert, such as the International Foundation for Art Research, which offers authentication research services. If the piece has already been purchased, get it authenticated.
— Consult an art lawyer before making a purchase.
Source: International Foundation for Art Research, Better Business Bureau, FBI Chicago special agent Brian Brusokas
