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Art forgery has long been a significant issue in the global art market, and India is no exception. With the increasing value of Indian modern and contemporary art, the risk of encountering forgeries has grown. Both collectors and enthusiasts need to be vigilant in spotting potential fakes and safeguarding their investments.
Left to right: Forged and original MF Husain, ‘Yeh Kaun Sa Modh Hai Umar Ka – VII’, 1995, at an exhibition titled Likeness Without Reference,
at Piramal Museum of Art, Mumbai. Courtesy of Hindustan Times. Photo: Kunal Patil.
Noteworthy Forgery Cases
Forgery isn’t just a problem for novice collectors; even experienced buyers can fall victim. For instance, a recent case involved a painting claimed to be by Manjit Bawa. Despite its initial appeal, art experts later determined it was likely a fake. Another case featured a supposed MF Husain painting that, upon closer examination, showed inaccuracies in its depiction of themes from The Ramayana.
Manjit Bawa, Untitled (Krishna Fluting), 1995. Courtesy of Christie’s.
The issue extends to celebrated artists like S. H. Raza, who passed away in 2016. The proliferation of forgeries of his work is so severe that even some of his followers have been known to create knock-offs. This highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring authenticity in a booming market.
Francis Newton Souza, Man and Woman Laughing, 1957. Courtesy of Saffronart.
Provenance: The Key to Authenticity
Provenance—the documented history of an artwork’s ownership—is crucial for verifying authenticity. Without proper provenance, the legitimacy of a piece can be questionable. Collectors should seek comprehensive documentation, including sales receipts, exhibition history, and certificates of authenticity, to confirm a work’s genuineness.
When official documents are unavailable, a photograph of the artist with the artwork can serve as an additional proof of authenticity. While not a substitute for formal documentation, such visual evidence can enhance the credibility of a piece when combined with other supporting materials.
Jamini Roy, Untitled (Cow with Calf), c. 1915. Courtesy of DAG Modern.
Tips to Avoid Art Forgery
To protect yourself from purchasing forgeries, follow these steps:
| Work with Reputable Dealers and Galleries: Purchase art only from trusted sources known for their ethical practices. They typically verify the authenticity of artworks before sale. |
| Research the Artist: Familiarise yourself with the artist’s style and techniques to identify potential irregularities. |
| Check Provenance: Always request detailed documentation, including provenance and exhibition history. Sellers of counterfeit art often avoid providing such documents. |
| Hire an Expert: Consult art experts or authenticators to thoroughly examine the piece. |
| Authenticate Scientifically: In some cases, use scientific methods like pigment testing or infrared imaging to verify materials and composition. |
Raja Ravi Varma, Reclining Nayar lady, 1902. Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, Bangalore.
Looking Ahead: The Fight Against Forgery
Contemporary artists like Paresh Maity are proactively combating this issue by incorporating unique holograms into their works as an added layer of security. This innovation is an important step in the fight against art forgery, offering a modern solution to a persistent problem.
The fight against art forgery in India is ongoing, with efforts to improve provenance tracking and enforce regulations. As awareness grows among collectors and galleries, increased transparency and due diligence are hoped to reduce the prevalence of fake artworks.
