Bajki. Dwie bajki. I wiele więcej bajek w tym katalogu.
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Sale 372 Lot 115. Alfons Karpinski (Polish, 1875-1961). Still Life with Roses; oil on board, signed A. Karpinski and inscribed (verso); 12 x 15 1/2 inches. Estimate $ 800-1,200. Leslie-Hindman. 5/20/15.
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Sale 372 Lot 116. Alfons Karpinski (Polish, 1875-1961). Still Life with Calla Lillies, oil on board; signed A. Karpinski (lower right); signed (verso); 8 x 11 inches. Estimate $ 800-1,200
Polish Art Corner 
What makes you think these two are not real Karpinski. One would expect more constructive judgement, than just Bajki from a high class specialist. It is style /technique of Karpinski, no provenance however. Do you need to see the painting directly to be able to have a more precise evaluation.? Thanks
Thank you for assuming that I might be a ‘high class specialist’. Sadly, I am not one. You may have different opinion about particular artwork and I am fine with it. Everybody is entitled to its own judgment. Going into your question, I would not expect provenance for such minor paintings and I judge both by ‘style/technique’. Here we differ as I don’t see much resemblance and you do. In addition, I don’t want to see this painting for examination as photos are quite sufficient for me. Can I be wrong? Sure. I am surprised that you found my lousy blog and I thank you for reading it.
Thanks for your replay. I am just an amateur collector and I am in engineering profession- but have strong ambition to learn how to consider “style/technique” in paintings: theme, composition, colors, lightning, perspective what is painting telling us how we should interpret it. I understand for example impressionism is much different technique as compared to classics from before it. Can you recommend some tools/knowledge helpful to determine if painting is true ( beside the knowledge of the artist works).
I think it would be great to posses such knowledge and be able to apply it on my own,
Regards,
‘Can you recommend some tools/knowledge helpful to determine if painting is true ( beside the knowledge of the artist works).’
It’s not easy to give a simple and quick answer on your question. I don’t know a single person with such knowledge. As always…it’s complicated and never 100% proof. Tools and knowledge on this subject result on interest in particular subject/period, acquiring information from books, albums and from seeing originals in museums, private galleries, and auctions. One should ask for provenance, one should see paintings not only from the front but from the back site, check for possible labels, judge canvas and paint to confirm its age. After many, many years of continuous interest and studies in a narrow period one can assume that particular art might be an obvious false. That conclusion may then come instantaneously from the first glimpse. However, in some cases it is more difficult to make such conclusion so one should either avoid buying ‘doubtful’ artwork or ask experts in such particular field which is also not 100% proof. From my own experience, I will pass on artwork that I don’t like from my first look. If I like one then I ask many more questions. Every painter, in his particular period, leaves his ‘fingerprints’ on the canvas. They are brushstrokes, color tones, subjects, etc. A lousy counterfeiter doesn’t care about it and only cares to put a similar signature. An uneducated buyer looks only at signature and not at the overall artwork.
I could open a special blog on this subject (false or true painting) but that may not even convince you that I am right or wrong. I can recommend that you buy a painting (not very expensive but well known artist) that you are convinced is true by the artist. Then, try to learn from your purchase. Losing $1,000 dollars may in the future save you from losing much more $$$. That might be best lesson. I am not joking and I am not cruel giving you such advice. I went through it at the beginning.
‘I think it would be great to posses such knowledge and be able to apply it on my own,’
Fully agree with your statement, but it takes time and efforts. Otherwise, try to connect with somebody knowledgeable who for a fee can help you to gradually build a good collection.
Very good advices I am going to follow ( some elements I already did). I know, that each artist has better and worse works. Sometimes the same artists are experimenting ( trying new technique, style, topic, etc.). In such case those particular works are different ( not typical) for a given artist. In such situation to determine if the art is authentic is becoming probably next to impossible.
And one more advice if possible. I have original drawing by Tamara Lempicka “Peasant Girl Praying”, which I would like to get evaluation ( authenticity and cost). I was ,referred to Alain Blondel in Paris who is the best expert on Lempicka. Unfortunately he is not answering at all. The auction houses in US (2) are not able to judge and refer me to Blondel. If you could have a recommendation what to do with Lempicka, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
With respect to the drawing I believe that you’ll get no answer from Mr. Blondel as you are too small fish for him. Drawing doesn’t count as an expensive and important oil. Probably you’re unknown collector (my assumption) on the market. So, if you insist and he agrees, be prepared that his charge for his expertise may not cover even value of that ‘good’ drawing. Besides, that drawing may turn to be a false by his judgement. It is a loose-loose situation and wrong approach. My advice: try to contact relatives of Tamara Lempicka (probably her daughter) with your question. Without any iron clad provenance you drawing at the best may get an attribution only. Sadly, too many fakes of her drawings on the market. I would stay away from such ‘easy’ finds.
Overall, it looks to me that you are on the right track with collecting.
Best,