A simple calculation reveals a shocking result:
Daumier created a total of 1340 drawings. This compares with 1562 drawings ‘AFTER DAUMIER’
and ‘UNCONFIRMED’
The comparison of the oil paintings is far more alarming:
Daumier created a total of 283 paintings. This compares with 609 paintings ‘AFTER DAUMIER’
and ‘UNCONFIRMED’
It is not even possible to calculate the number of forged lithographs or reprints.
We are constantly updating the Daumier Register with new findings.
This is a great compliment to the artist Daumier, who already complained during his lifetime that many of his works were forged. There have always been art forgers, and forgery continued apace even after Daumier’s death. As always, lawyers are particularly popular subjects, as are scenes of artists, railway compartments, portraits and many more.
What we want to emphasise here is a warning to be careful! The old Latin expression ‘caveat emptor’ or buyer beware! is still of great importance today. Galleries and auction houses leave the responsibility to the buyer to check for themselves whether an object is indeed an original. Often the information is not sufficient for a serious decision. This is where the DAUMIER REGISTER offers valuable help. Under the detailed information for each work you will find the section ‘Original or not?’ with details of the painting technique and the authenticity of the picture.
We receive numerous enquiries from Daumier collectors who are either about to make a purchase decision or need information about their own collection or inherited Daumier works. We are happy to help, often free of charge, or for a small fee if the time required is more extensive.
In addition, you can be sure that each work will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with a money-back guarantee when you buy from the Daumier Register (shopping cart) or from DaumierGallery.com.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.