The signature has particular importance in art. To sign a work of art means literally apposing ones name on its material appearance, traditionally this is done in handwriting and in accordance with a model grown more or less permanent and unique to each individual. As a natural extension, the notion of signature is used to name the whole of the characteristics of method and result emanating from unsigned works and that contribute to their attribution. Even factually unsigned works carry the figurative signature of their maker through their unique characteristics.
But besides the proprietary and attributable rights claimed or given, the factual presence of the signature often tells us more about the artwork itself. The signature is a seal signaling veracity of agreement. By apposing his signature, the signatory assumes responsibility. Whatever the context, a signature presumes, in one way or other, an accomplishment. The signature comes after the final touch. Something unfinished is not signed.
For any maker, the moment of signing is decisive, sometimes difficult. In art maybe more than in other areas. One can understand that some artists abstain from signing a work that is felt as unachieved. Some, not lucid about their dissatisfaction, spend years adding to or modifying before finally making up their mind. The signature has thus tremendous importance for a work of art, not only in assigning authorship, but more poignantly in that of announcing achievement. A signature is the artist's spontaneous clearance, given after satisfaction.
Take thus an unsigned work, to all appearances finished; is there reason to think that the artist wasn't happy with his act? This is an altogether valid presumption; exception made for authors that deliberately don't sign and of course for artwork of trivial or sketchy nature. An elaborate but unsigned work not only raises questions about its attribution or the maker's idea of its state of achievement, but also on the author's own final judgment.
Independently of the certainty or the uncertainty about an attribution, a work not signed is a work whose value will weigh lighter on the art market.
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