What is a certificate of authenticity?
A certificate of authenticity is a document guaranteeing the authenticity of an artwork. It confirms that the artwork has been created by the artist associated with it.
In art, a certificate of authenticity tells you who the artist is, the process used to create the print, the material it’s printed on, whether it’s a limited edition or not, etc.
Similar to identity cards, a certificate of authenticity is tied to only 1 piece and follows it throughout the artwork’s life, from purchase to resale. It does not expire.
When you’re buying a car, designer handbag or designer furniture, for example, you’d want to know the product is authentic and not counterfeit. With an art piece you’d also want to be ensured that the work is original and created by the associated artist. It’s a form of consumer protection.
Why is a certificate of authenticity important?
The main goal of a certificate of authenticity in art is to prove that the artwork was created by a certain artist – and that it’s not a forgery. You will be sure that the artwork is made by said artist and that it’s not a random photo or print allegedly made by a certain artist.
As the artwork is proven to be authentic, its value increases.
Should you want to resell an art piece or insure it, a certificate of authenticity helps to assess the current and future value of the artwork. It can actually make the artwork easier to sell. A certificate of authenticity is a highly regarded and accepted way to verify an artwork.
When an artist’s career takes off and the art piece ends up being resold several times, it helps collectors to trace the piece’s history and proves it’s an original.
But how do you know that the certificate of authenticity itself is authentic? There are certain points to look out for and whoever issues the document is important too.
What should you look for on a certificate of authenticity?
The main elements of a certificate of authenticity are:
- An image of the artwork
- Name of the artist who created the work
- The title of the work
- The year(s) it was made and/or completed
- The technique used
- The artwork’s dimensions
- A statement of authenticity
- Whether or not it is a limited edition and if so, the edition number
- A tracking code or number specific to the artwork
- Signature and date
Some details that should be included specifically for prints are: the medium of the original artwork, paint or ink type, printing device or process and type of paper or canvas.
One of the most important parts of a certificate of authenticity, is that the certificate is linked to one artwork only.
If a certificate does not identify one specific artwork, it’s simply worthless. Therefore it’s important, especially with prints, that there is a unique code or number which can be found on both the certificate and the artwork.
Who can issue a certificate of authenticity?
Another way to identify whether a certificate of authenticity in art is real, is who it was issued by.
If your certificate has been issued and signed by someone other than the ones listed below, alarm bells should start ringing as that means your certificate is basically worthless.
The certificate can only be issued by:
- The artist or their heirs
- An online or physical art gallery which should be a confirmed dealer or agent of the artist
- An auctioneer
- An art dealer
- An art expert or professional, like a scholar or art historian
When the certificate is completed by an agent, art dealer or art gallery, the name and position of the person who created the certificate should be included.
A casual third party dealer or reseller can’t act as authenticator and thus can’t issue or sign a certificate of authenticity.
How does Flamingo approach Certificates of Authenticity?
Flamingo.Trade is a confirmed dealer and online art gallery for emerging artists and global collectibles owners from Southeast Asia (and beyond). At Flamingo we take pride in offering the best quality possible of the artworks created by our artists and we make sure the works come with their own certificate of authenticity.
So naturally we offer a COA, which you’ll receive with each and every item you buy on the platform.
Our certificates of authenticity are co-verified by Verisart, the leading verification player, and powered by blockchain technology.
Originally posted 2022-09-20 12:32:16.