Certificates of Authenticity - A Must for Artists

A black and white image titled Stage Lighting photographed by Kelly O'Leary of a backlit cloud over a grassy beach bank. | Photo Title: Stage Lighting | 
        Photo by Kelly O'Leary ©2022
Stage Lighting | ©2022 Kelly O'Leary

Stage Lighting

Image Details


Article Introduction

In today’s bustling art market, the importance of Certificates-of-Authenticity (COAs) cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to photographic art. These documents play a vital role in verifying the authenticity of artworks and ensuring their value and provenance. By delving into the myriad reasons why COAs are crucial for photographic artists, we can understand their profound impact on the art world.


Why COAs Are Needed

COAS Protect Collectors

One of the foremost reasons why COAs are indispensable for photographers is their role in protecting collectors from purchasing counterfeit art. In the digital age, where technology has made it alarmingly easy to create perfect replicas of original prints, it is imperative to have a robust system in place to safeguard against fraud. COAs act as a shield, providing collectors with the confidence that they are investing in authentic works of art.

COAs Augment Value

COAs are instrumental in augmenting the value of photographic prints. When collectors are assured that a print is accompanied by a legitimate COA, they are more inclined to pay a premium price for it. This assurance stems from the fact that COAs validate the authenticity of the artwork, thereby guaranteeing its enduring value and desirability. In the realm of art, where perception and trust are priceless commodities, COAs serve as a tangible testament to an artwork’s credibility.

COAs Establishing the Provenance of Photographic Work

Providing these document play a pivotal role in establishing the provenance of a photographic work. Provenance refers to the documented history of ownership of an artwork, tracing its journey through time and helping unveil its narrative. For collectors who yearn for a profound connection to the art they acquire, knowing the provenance is of paramount importance. COAs serve as a veritable chronicle, meticulously recording the provenance of a print and shedding light on its illustrious past. This historical significance adds an additional layer of value and meaning to the artwork, elevating it beyond its visual allure.

COAs Are Not Just For Collectors

It is not solely collectors who benefit from COAs; photographic artists also reap rewards by providing these documents. By incorporating COAs into their practice, artists demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and accountability. Artists who supply COAs with their prints send a clear message to potential buyers that they take great pride in their work and honor the integrity of the art market. In this sense, COAs become a symbol of trustworthiness that bolsters the reputation of the artists who embrace them.

In a world where art collections are amassed, exhibited, and traded across borders, COAs also serve as essential travel companions for artworks. With the global art market flourishing, these documents provide art buyers and sellers with a common language that transcends geographical barriers. Thus, COAs play a vital role in facilitating international art transactions, as they serve as universally accepted proof of authenticity and provenance.

Conclusion

Certificates of authenticity are of paramount importance for photographic art, ensuring the verification of artworks, protecting collectors from counterfeit art, and augmenting the value and provenance of prints. By supplying COAs with their works, artists display their commitment to professionalism, while collectors gain the coveted assurance of owning a genuine and invaluable piece of art. As the art market continues to evolve, COAs occupy a position of utmost significance, safeguarding the integrity of the art world and illuminating the inspiring stories behind each photographic masterpiece.


How The Copperprint Plays in with Your COAs

At The Copperprint, we understand the importance of COAs for photographic art. That’s why we create COAs for our artists using premium deckle-edged Hahnemühle paper with a watermark, embedded fluorescent security fibres, and a serialized numbered hologram to reduce the risk of forgery. We also supply a COA when we produce prints exclusively for our artists and register each piece of art with Hahnemühle’s Art Registry, myartregistry.com, establishing provenance baseline for each artists piece.

If you are interested in learning more about our COAs or our gallery, please contact us today.