The following are examples of the terminology
used in regards to the signature on paintings, particularly in auction catalogs. Please note that all statements and terms are subject to the provisions of the Conditions of Sale
that the Galleries and Consignors
make with respect to any lot.
A. Authorship
1. (Artist) This is our highest category of authenticity and, as such, indicates that the work, in our best judgment, is by the named artist. (No unqualified statement as to authorship is made or intended.)
2. Attributed to (Artist) In our best judgment a work of the period and in the style of the artist; may be the work of the artist, in whole or in part, but less certainty of authorship than in the preceding category.
3. Studio of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work by an unknown hand working in the artist’s studio.
4. Circle of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work of the period of the artist and closely related to the artist’s style.
5. Style of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work by a pupil or follower of the artist in his lifetime or shortly thereafter.
6. Manner of (Artist)
In our best judgment a work in the style of the artist, possibly of a later date.
7. After (Artist)
In our best judgment a copy of the known work by the artist.
B. Title
If there is a generally accepted title of the lot, that title is given at
the beginning of the description. If the work does not have a title or the
title is not known to us, a descriptive title is given.
C. Signature
The signature, inscriptions and dates are transcribed in print as they appear and are located specifically as follows:
l/l: lower left
l/r: lower right
l/c: lower center
u/l: upper left
u/r: upper right
u/c: upper center
1. Signed: The signature is, in our opinion, the signature of the artist.
2. Bears Signature: Has a signature which, in our opinion, might be the signature of the artist.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
