Laws on Fine Art Reproductions
Advances in technology now allow anyone with a camera and an inkjet printer to reproduce original works of art. With little regulation in the art community, it is near impossible for the casual buyer to know if the limited-edition print or sculpture they purchased is authentic. Increasing public awareness of fine art reproduction laws may stop the damage to the market.
What Are Reproductions?
According to Epic Edits, an online site for photography enthusiasts, a limited-edition print is a set number of reproductions of a piece of a work sequentially numbered and signed by the artist. The LE must be created from the artist's original work of art under his direction. After the print run, the plates are destroyed. If the piece does not have a signature and a number, it is simply a poster.
Intentional Abuse
It stands to reason, the multiples market suffers from fraud and abuse the most. Dishonest dealers, sometimes with the artist's knowledge, create unauthorized and substandard prints of the work and sell these glorified posters way above their actual value. In the long run, intentionally increasing the size of the edition, forging signatures, or creating unauthorized print runs hurts both the collector and the artist.
Print Disclosure Laws
You should not be an art printer, publisher or broker if you do not know what the law requires from you when advertising or selling a piece of art. In Michigan, a broker must disclose a giclee is not an original work of art---it is a photo reproduction. If it is referred to as an "original giclee," it is a case of fraudulent misrepresentation and heavy fines can be levied on the company. California brokers may be ordered to pay three times the cost of the print to the customer if not compliant with the "Multiples Law."
The Fine Art Registry
The Fine Art Registry was created in 2000 as an online art database where artists tag and register their art. Registering your work on FineArtRegistry.com helps deter fraud and theft and could help recover stolen collectibles. They also provide Multiple Certificates of Duplication in accordance with California law. These are printed for the buyer, and a copy is maintained online by the Fine Art Registry. By taking responsibility for your artwork, you eliminate the ability of a scammer to take advantage.
The Solution
The buyer as well as the seller needs to familiarize herself with print disclosure laws, do due diligence when verifying facts and work with reputable companies. Only with these changes will the fine art reproduction market stabilize and, hopefully, grow in the future.
