How to Identify a Painting's Signature

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

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.

Advertisement

Step 1

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

Video of the Day

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.

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.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...