counterfeit art

Fraudulent painted work

Counterfeit art is artwork created to deceive—a forgery passed off as the work of another artist, typically one whose pieces command high prices.

The term covers paintings, sculptures, and other works made to fool collectors, dealers, or museums: The gallery unknowingly sold counterfeit art for years.

Distinguished from legitimate copies or reproductions, which don't claim false authorship.

Opposites
authenticity

counterfeit artgenuine article

Authentic original item

original art · the real thing

creative originality

counterfeit artoriginal artwork

First authentic creative work

artistic innovation · avant-garde art

legal/ethical status

counterfeit arthonest work

Legitimate, ethical employment

Family

counterfeit, counter, counterfeiter, counterfeiting, counterfeited, artist, inert, inertia

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G