In the art world, provenance—the history of ownership and origin of an artwork—plays a crucial role in determining its value. An artwork's provenance can elevate its market value, enhance its historical significance, and increase buyer confidence. Conversely, gaps or uncertainties in provenance can diminish an artwork's value, or worse, cast doubt on its authenticity.

Art appraisers often get asked to authenticate works of art from the general public. An understandable request since the value of a work of art is undoubtedly tied to its authenticity. If authenticity is in doubt so is its value. So, do appraisers also authenticate art?

The widespread circulation of forged Norval Morrisseau paintings has cast a long and damaging shadow over his legacy, the art market, and the professionals who engage with his work. The presence of even a small number of forgeries in the market can cause hesitation among buyers, but in the Morrisseau scandal, authorities uncovered hundreds, if not thousands, of fakes.

Navigating the world of art fraud and forgery is a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it is possible to protect yourself and your investments. Professional appraisers are invaluable allies in this endeavor, providing the expertise needed to identify forgeries, verify authenticity, and ensure that the art market remains as transparent and trustworthy as possible.