Close Call.....trust your instincts!

"Paris" by Chagall?

Something did not seem right. Was it the price that was “too rich” for me? Was it buyer’s remorse?

Once home I decided some sleuthing was needed.Already, I was regretting not carefully reading the COA, certificate of authenticity. That could have signaled a problem. Although many COAs are fraudulent.

Instead I counted on the photograph I had snapped with my phone before it was handed over to a store employee to prepare for shipping. That photograph provided enough information to make a determination.

"I and the Village"
a real Chagall.

My friend and I appeared to be on an out of town buying spree. She purchased several items. Looking around I spied a Chagall signed and numbered lithograph. I asked what the price was and the super salesman took that as I would purchase it. Over and over again I would shake my head and say “no” as he kept lowering the price. Finally, I caved.

What began the initial suspicion was the  56/500 in the bottom left corner.  This particular lithograph was number 56 of a run of 500!  The plate would be destroyed and no more could be made. Never have I seen a number that high on a lithograph; generally they are 250-300.

Classic crouching panther
Loet Vanderveen

Checking some art on my walls I found 10 was the size of the run! The cat bronzes of Loet Vanderveen and Tim Cottrerills frogs have higher numbers. But they are bronzes.

One of Tim Cotterills frogs

As is fitting of today’s culture, I began my investigation on the Internet. Of greatest value would be a Chagall catalogue raissone listing all of his work along with descriptions and details of the piece including materials. My first goal was to search for the title of “Paris” which my newly purchased item was entitled. Nothing was found that matched and the only Paris works were an entirely different subject matter.

My suspicions were confirmed. I was 99% certain this was a work done in the style of Chagall and was not an authentic piece of Marc Chagall’s. Given the price I paid I was not happy.

Reading about fake art, I learned that the four artists most frequently replicated are Dali, Chagall, Miro, and Picasso, in that order.

Since I was to pay for the items on delivery, in cash, I needed to know if I could refuse to accept them.

According to the law you can refuse to accept goods if there is a flaw, something broken, or other legitimate reason. Immediately I drafted an email to them stating that I would refuse to accept all items according to my legal rights.

Lesson learned. Next time on an out of town buying spree take more time, be patient and investigate large ticket items. Had they not agreed to ship them, payment of freight on delivery, I think I would still be fighting over this.