2007-02-25 09:31:10 · 3 answers · asked by ? 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Drawing & Illustration
Laser, Ink Jet and Giclee prints are made using water-soluble inks. Touch the surface lightly with a damp Q-tip, and if it shows ink on it, it's a copy. Original watercolours are also water-soluble, so this test may fool you. Also, some art reproductions are sprayed with a varnish or fixative that makes them waterproof.
Lithographs use oil-based ink so this doesn't work - but lithos are made up of tiny dots and these can be seen with a good magnifying glass.
In the end, an expert could tell you the true nature of the piece of art - try a museum, or even a reputable gallery or framer. There are lots of signs that denote whether it's a copy or the real thing... type of paper, visible brushstrokes, signatures etc.
2007-02-25 14:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by joyfulpaints 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IS THE ORIGINAL IN COLOR? IF IT IS THE COPY MUST BE IN BLACK AND WHITE (IT DEPENDS ON WHAT TYPE OF COPIER YOU USE). IF THE ORIGINAL HAS A HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE, YOU BE ABLE TO FEEL IT ON THE BACK.
2007-02-25 17:40:46 · answer #2 · answered by faileider_lucky7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Touch it.
2007-02-25 18:24:15 · answer #3 · answered by Joan H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋