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Designer and Artist Attribution Definitions

Furniture Attributions

  • By: The object was made by a specific creator and will be accompanied by appropriate primary-source documentation supporting this attribution (what is “appropriate” is determined by specialists).
  • Attributed to: There is a strong likelihood that the object is "by" the creator, but the documentation has not been discovered at this time. However, members of the trade would generally agree that the object was made by the specific creator. If the creator has an active foundation or recognized authentication party, the object should have been presented for review.
  • In the style of: This cannot be an exact copy of the original known design (this would make it an intentional fake). The designer has consciously used stylistic cues generally accepted by members of the trade as representative of a specific creator. The object must be correctly identified, i.e., must reference the correct original creator.

Fine Art Attributions

  • By: The object was made by a specific creator, and when available, documentation (as determined by our specialists) supporting attribution should be obtained.
  • Attributed to: The work is believed to be by the hand of the artist based on some combination of research, documentation, provenance and connoisseurship. While it may not be possible to guarantee authenticity, members of the trade have agreed on the attribution based on the due diligence conducted and supporting evidence. If the creator has an active foundation or recognized authentication party, the object should be presented for review.
  • Circle of: The artwork, exhibiting the artist’s influence, was produced by an artist (known or unknown) who may be associated with the artist — but not a student.
  • In the style of: It is the opinion of members of the trade that the artwork was produced using similar stylistic cues, closely resembling the oeuvre of the artist, within 50 years of the artist’s lifetime. The object must be correctly identified, i.e. must reference the correct creator. Any piece that replicates key elements of another artwork so as to function as a substitute for that artwork cannot be posted. This determination is made by our ADR team and is not restricted by the limitations of copyright law.
  • After: This is a direct copy or reproduction of a known artwork by the artist. This can be authorized (licensed or with permission from the artist or estate) or unauthorized (forgery or unlicensed image). The creator or creator’s estate must have been involved in the production of the object through direct supervision, licensing, or authorization. Unauthorized reproductions or copies of a creator’s work are prohibited and will be removed from the site.

Jewelry Attribution

  • By: The object was made by a specific maker and will be accompanied by appropriate (as determined by specialists) primary-source documentation supporting attribution.
  • Attributed to: Strong likelihood that the object is "by" the maker, but documentation has not been discovered at this time. However, members of the trade would generally agree that the object was made by the specific maker. If the maker has active archives or a recognized authentication party, the object should have been presented for review.
  • In the style of: Cannot be used, as this would be an exact copy of the original known design (this would make it an intentional fake).

Fashion Attributions

  • By: The piece was made by a specific creator, is signed or labeled by the designer or brand or will be accompanied by appropriate (as determined by specialists) primary-source documentation supporting attribution.
  • Attributed to: Strong likelihood that the piece is "by" the creator, but the documentation has not been discovered at this time. However, members of the industry would generally agree that the piece was made by the specific creator. If the creator has an active foundation or recognized authentication party, the piece should have been presented for review.
  • In the style of: Cannot be an exact copy of the original known design (this would make it an intentional fake). The designer has consciously used stylistic cues generally accepted by members of the trade as representative of a specific creator. The piece must be correctly identified, i.e., must reference the correct creator. Certain creators, brands, and designers do not allow for “In the style of” attribution.   

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