How to Identify a Painting's Signature

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All original artwork contains a signature or symbol that represents the artist who created the painting. Artists may use their actual signatures or they may use what is called a monogram. A monogram is a symbol an artist adopts as a signature. Signatures or monograms can be found at the bottom margin of the painting or on the back of the canvas. In the case of a monogram, you can use an artist monogram database to match the monogram to the artist.

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Step 1

Check around the margin or on the back of the painting to locate the artist's signature or monogram.

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Step 2

Notice the type of painting. Many artists excel in a certain genre of painting such as landscape, still life or portrait. Search an artist database for popular artists under the categories of paintings they paint.

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Step 3

Search for the artist's monogram using the reverse-lookup process. Search through a database of matching monograms and artist names. Match the artist with his or her monogram to identify the artist of the painting.

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