Judging the Authenticity of Prints by The Masters:
by David Rudd Cycleback

Chapter 18 : Artist's Signature

(c) cycleback 2003, 2005 all rights reserved

Artists sometimes sign their prints, usually on numbered limited editions. The signature is ordinarily on the bottom border and in in pencil or crayon. Pen ink can bleed. Hand signing prints is a relatively modern phenomenon, started in the 1800s. Durer and other earlier artists had their monogram printed as part of the graphics. This printing press printed signature is called ‘signed in the plate’ or ‘plate signed.’ The catalogues raisonne will usually indicate which prints were hand signed and which were plate signed. In cases, a print of a celebrity has both the signature of the celebrity and the artist. This is the case with some Andy Warhols, including his prints of Mick Jagger, Wayne Gretzky and Pete Rose. A hand signature does not in and of itself prove a print original. Many modern artists were celebrities during their lifetime and asked by fans to sign reprint posters, postcard, books, photos and even baseballs. Also, as with all celebrities, artists’ signatures have been and will be forged. The collector can get a general feel for what an artist’s or celebrities autograph looks like, and can use the catalogue raisonne to know which prints were originally signed and where and which were not. With experience, the collector will be able to identify many bad mistakes. However, signature authentication takes great experience and expertise and should be left to experts. The following are well known experts who issue LOAs for autographs. The expert art dealer, historian or auctioneer who specializes in the artist will usually have a good eye for the artist’s signature. ** University Archives/John Reznikoff: universityarchives.com ** PSA/DNA: www.psadna.com ** Global Authentication Inc (GAI) www.gaicards.com ** Bob Eaton/R & R Enterprises rrauction.com ** Mike Gutierrez ** James Spence Authentication www.spenceloa.com ** International Autograph Collectors Club and Dealers Association (IACC-DA) and UACC are reputable autograph organizations who’s member dealers must adhere to strict rules including having lifetime guarantees of authenticity. . cycleback.com................conceits main (c) david rudd cycleback, cyclback.com all rights reserved

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