It isn’t always easy to tell if you have an original painting or a reproduction, but there are several steps that can help:
* Original paintings are more likely executed on canvas, paper, or paneling, while reproductions are usually done on cardboard or stock paper.
* With original paintings, you can usually feel the texture of the paint, especially with oil paintings. Even watercolor paintings will have brush impressions that can show up when examined with a magnifying glass. Reproductions of original artwork tend to be smooth and flat.
* Original artwork often has a label on the back of the painting from show or galleries. They are typically left in place to help explain the history of the piece.
If you aren’t sure if you have an original piece or a reproduction, an art dealer or antique buyer may be able to help. Sarasota