AboutJudy Expertise I can answer ALL questions related to watercolor paintings, except appraisal or artist identification. I can answer general questions about oil, acrylic, Chinese painting, and other media. I am NOT an art appraiser at all for any kind. I can only answer questions in aspects of materials, techniques, and critiques. I do NOT have the access to records of auction, painting pricing, or artist files & works, unlike art gallery dealers or art appraisers. I would not know how much an art piece is worth, but I am only an expert in the "art form" but nothing to do with VALUE.
Experience Professional watercolorist for decades. Knowledgeable about all media, but not in value or pricing.
Education/Credentials BFA in Fine Art, Painting
MA in Art
Question I have an oil painting and the artist signature is hard to read
but on the back it has DE Vogel number 700/740 does this mean anything and does it have any value
Answer Pam,
Thanks for your question. The numbers in the back of a painting indicates two possibilities. First, this is an original painting painted by an unrecognized/unaccomplished painter employeed by an art distribution company. The signature on the front is invented; that's not the real name of the painter who paints it. This kind of operation is usually done in a factory fashion. The painters/artisans are hired to keep painting. Basically, this kind of painting is not worth much.
Second, this is a mass produced reproduction from an original painting. Even if it may look like a real painting with textures and brush strokes, there are a lot of media readily available to make a copy look like a real painting. Without a frame, a reproduction like this worth a few bucks.
