But Is It Real? includes fakes, forgeries, copies, originals, and works of unclear origin that together explore the ideas of authenticity and originality. Organized in conjunction with a philosophy course, the exhibition invites students and the general public to consider how labeling art “fake” or “authentic” affects our appreciation of the work.

Art has always been copied and forged for a variety of reasons. Copies have been made by pupils to master their craft, by master artists to duplicate their own work, by artists to honor another respected artist, and by others seeking to deceive potential buyers and collectors. Works of art have also long been passed off by unscrupulous dealers or collectors as being more valuable than they really are. Most recently, artists have appropriated images from both popular culture and other artists. Where does the copying end and the originality begin? Why does a work of art declared to be a copy or a fake lose some or all of its value? More importantly, how do “originality” and “authenticity” influence how we respond to the aesthetic value of a work of art? The exhibition, while not an exhaustive survey on authenticity, illustrates the complexities of labeling a work of art as “authentic” or “real.”

This exhibition has been organized by Stefanie Spray Jandl, Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Associate, in collaboration with Steven B. Gerrard, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Williams College.

In May, a gallery guide with student writings on the exhibition will be available.

For more information on this exhibition, please email WCMA.