framed oil painting-statement of significance

This is a completed and basically sound framed oil painting mainly made of the wooden frame, glass, canvas oil painting, paper tapes, wooden blackboard and iron hanging kit (figure 1). My study greatly indicates the necessity of the statement of significance. It is now highly suspected that this painting is probably a forgery or an imitation work. 

Figure 1 The framed oil painting (the front and the back)

There are two specific reasons to explain: although it belongs to the marine work, its background and components cannot be found in a similar style in the UK browser. However, a large number of similar paintings have been found in the Chinese browser which means this may originate from China (figure 2).  Also, the visual perception has a more modern sense compared to the artworks in “1980s” as the seller stated, which can be seen through the surface and substrate of the oil painting by Hall. Unlike those masterpieces in the 1980s with the more or less yellowing surface due to ageing problem, the so-called 1980s vintage has a clearer and stable colour applied on the base, which may because of the good protection, but more likely not to be a painting artwork with a long history combing the analysis above.

Figure 2 General image of the artwork(above) VS similar results from the Chinese browser(below)

Therefore, what can be confirmed under the unsure context is the aesthetic value as a decoration with stunning colours and a warming environment. Also, the great monetary value was established first for the supposed historic value dating back from the 1980s, and also with stunning colour and conservation to have such a vivid state. Then, as it has similar pieces and confirms that it is not the unique one but probably produced not far from now, its price was no longer worth that high at all. 

This study brings up points worth reflecting on like advertising and selling ethics and the management of mass production, the role of the conservator, etc. Information gaps from language barriers between China and foreign countries are used to make profits and deceive buyers. The trap also lies in the management and control of mass production, i.e., the awareness of protection and respect for copyrights. Online shopping websites of vintages are popular and acceptable essential during the COVID-19 period, however, it easily misleads buyers due to the lack of high-quality images. Meanwhile, it’s interesting to mention that, in this case, the role of the conservator here also has the meaning of identification.