An initial reminder that the piece in the O’Neill School’s collection is by an unknown artist, after Caroline C. Burnett. However, since the piece was inspired heavily (one might even say imitated or copied) by Burnett’s work, we chose to create a blog post documenting her biography and the history of forgery around her work.
Caroline C. Burnett (1877-1950) was a British-American artist known primarily for her Impressionist paintings of Paris street scenes. Burnett’s work and painting style show the movement towards contemporary painting in Paris during her years there. Burnett’s work had an abstracted influence, most noticeable in her figural representations (look at the figures present in the Paris Street Scene imitation).
She was a member of the Société de Beaux-Arts in Paris, exhibiting many of her works in the late 1890s and early 1900s. In her work, we can see each season and different types of weather in Paris, as well as numerous cultural heritage sites and everyday street scenes documenting the lives and activities of everyday people.
Burnett’s paintings reserved a type of appeal for tourists visiting Paris. Visitors wanted to have artwork that reflected where they had been, but they didn’t have the budget (or time!) for realistic or excessively large paintings. Rather, Burnett’s Impressionist pieces took less time to complete, were more economical, and reflected the prementioned movement towards contemporary painting.
Burnett’s work; due to its loose, fluid, and impressionist elements, does lend itself to copying by other artists that similarly want to benefit from the tourism industry. Imitations of Burnett’s works have come from other artists in Paris, as well as other European areas, and have even been created and signed “Burnett” in the lower right by artists in Mexico. There are rumors of sweat shops in Mexico creating Burnett reproductions en masse to capitalize on the nostalgic nature of the paintings to audiences that simply wouldn’t know any better once the painting has been listed for sale. Photos of signatures are attached, showing an interesting range of signatures with different styles, leans, and thicknesses. It’s noted that Caroline Burnett (the actual artist) always signed in print, in capital letters in red-brown paint, and in the lower right.
Regardless, Burnett has the unique privilege of being one of the most forged midcentury impressionist painters.
Thank you for posting this. I have 3 Caroline Burnett paintings that I’ve had for years, and I’ve studied her signatures for just as long. I actually contacted a guy who was selling one for thousands of dollars, but it was a fraud. He was so thankful for letting him know. There’s so many fakes out there. Thank you again for highlighting this.
I have a painting, a Paris scene that I believe was painted by Carolyn Burnett….
Who could I contact to find out if the painting is an original ……can anyone help me?
Dave garcia
dgarcia53@yahoo.com
My parents have one of these paintings . How can I authenticate signature ?
Kaelwhite@yahoo.com
Hello,
I have an oil painting with a Burnett signing, that my Mum bought years ago in France. I have always loved it. I am now hearing of so many forgeries. I am looking for someone who can confirm that this is a real Burnett signature.
Stephanie
How do I send a photo?
Hello . I have 2 Brunett pairings . How can I check are they original or not. Thank you.
Hello I have got two Burnett paintings as well
It seems really original but after checking many portal and now yours I have a doubt
How can I confirm either originality or price ?
Hi , I have just read your comments, unfortunately , I too have 2 paintings of C Burnett, I picked both up at auction, and a very cheap price, I bought them primarily for the frames as Iam an artist myself , I would love to know , before dismantling the art from the frame , if they are originals , I would be horrified to find that they weren’t, please can you help distinguish both paintings , I have been very fortunate to purchase numerous art pieces , again for the frames , yet to frightend to dismantle art from frame. Incase their age and originality , I would be so grateful for any advice you may be able to share ,
THANK YOU
Rachel
I have a small Cathedral of Notre Dame I’d love to sale but have no clue how or what so any information would be useful. Thanks
I have a Burnett painting signed in red paint on the right side in capital letters, the frame etc all seen real. Can you direct me where I would go in ireland to find out if its an original?
Would you have any links where I can see an actual Caroline Burnett Painting. She died in 1950 and I can’t find one that was painted prior to 1980. I’d like to see a real one. thanks
I have painting for Paris Street signature by C.BURNETT in capital words