Do Artists publicly share dates of artwork?

Do Artists publicly share dates of artwork?

The shortest answer is NO. The briefest answer is, since dates are essential part of authentication of artwork, then NO again. But with whom, should dates of artwork be revealed? Simply, dates can be shared with serious art collectors, official representatives or with credential art dealers.

First reason: There was a court case, years ago, about two identical artworks with the same date! For the judge to investigates the matter and decides which artwork was the original and which was the copy, it took long time to examine the oldest canvas and colours in a professional lab. You can imagine the high cost of such investigation. Can artists afford such hassles? Obviously not.

Second reason is that Authentication certificate can be easily falsified when knowing the date.

Third reason is, selling artwork can sometimes takes months or even years. By the time a piece of artwork rotates from exhibition to another or from gallery to another and artists get to be known or find a lover of that artwork, date will look old. The natural public impression will be: “What is wrong with this artwork that did sell until now?” In many cases, there is nothing wrong with the artwork and actually, the older, the more valuable it becomes. The missing fact is that each artwork has its collector since art is a personal preference and tastes.

Obviously, there are variables reasons that must align together to sell a piece of art. Time, place and unforeseen circumstances. A fourth reason; sometime art market is not doing well or slow, so artists prefer to hold on their artwork for a while until market improves and they sell for what they believe is worth. Absolutely, there is no compelling reason for artists to face potential risks by writing dates in front of artwork and make it visible to public.

That said, then where dates should be written or documented? Dates can be written on the back of artwork as well documented in personal files and kept in a safe place with the authentication certificates.

Artists, take control of your artwork as you have the full intellectual copyright. No one would have the right to impose on artists nonsense regulations. Make sure that each piece of artwork includes an inventory number which then, could be cross-referenced to the artist’s inventory should a question of creation date arises in the future. Stay safe and protect your artwork.