Auctioneer Practice Exam

If a painting were advertised as "bears signature," what does it mean?

1. An artist personally signed it

2. It is a reproduction of the original

3. In an expert's opinion, it might or may be the work of...

4. It is part of a famous collection

The correct answer is: In an expert's opinion, it might or may be the work of...

The phrase "bears signature" indicates that the painting features a signature attributed to an artist, but it does not definitively mean that the signature is genuine or that the artist personally created the work. Instead, it suggests that there is a possibility, based on an expert's opinion or analysis, that the piece might be the work of the artist whose signature appears on it. This distinction is important because the authenticity and provenance of art can significantly impact its value and marketability. In contrast, the other options suggest definitive meanings regarding the ownership and authenticity of the artwork that the phrase does not support. For instance, stating that the artist personally signed the piece would imply confirmation of authenticity, which is not guaranteed by merely stating it "bears a signature." Similarly, labeling the work as a reproduction or being part of a famous collection does not align with the nuance of the phrase, which centers on the potential attribution rather than the work's status or origin.