What Is A Certificte Of Authenticity And Why Do I Need One
When you buy an original artwork or a limited edition print, it should also come with its own Certificate of Authenticity. Is it a nice to have, or is it important?
We tell you why you should make sure you have one.
A Certificate of Authenticity is a very important document because it provides the provenance for the artwork and authenticates the artist.
The Certificates come in all shapes and sizes, some giving more information than others, but basically it should give all the information about the artwork and who the artist is.
It should record:
The type of artwork i.e. a painting, sculpture or limited edition print
The artist’s name
The title of the artwork
The year it was made
The medium used i.e. mixed media, oil paint, a screen print
What the base of the artwork is i.e. canvas or board
The artwork size unframed
Whether it is sold with a frame and what sort of frame it is
If it is a limited edition print then the edition number details i.e. No 3/12 (print no 3 from a limited edition of 12)
A declaration from the gallery or the artist. “I certify that this artwork is an original work of art by the above mentioned artist and that the details of the artwork are correct”
Finally the certificate of authenticity should be signed and dated.
Apart from provenance, the certificate of authenticity is good to have for insurance purposes. Do check with your home insurers, but most companies only insist you individually insure an artwork over £15,000, so everything else is included in our home insurance. In the unlikely event that your artwork is stolen or damaged, then the certificate of authenticity is a good source of information about the artwork.
In the future, should your artwork be sold on the secondary market, or auction, then the Certificate of Authenticity is a must.
So, as you can see, a Certificate of Authenticity for your artwork is crucial to have for your records. If you are not offered one from the gallery or artist you are buying from, do insist on one for your lovely new artwork!
Carol Caiger