The precision of a copy of an old painting

The levels of precision of a copy of an old painting can be assessed in different ways: several parameters come into play such as fidelity to the composition, to the guiding movements, to the drawing, to the line, to the color palette, to the location of shadows and lights, and ultimately , to the overall impression - the "spirit" of the work, the "spirit" of the copy. The question of technique is also essential and leads to a reflection on the "reconstructions" or "recreations" of paintings.

The accuracy of a copy of an old painting can vary considerably depending on the techniques and skills of the copying artist, the means given to him, the time allowed and whether or not he has the opportunity to see the original work.

Each parameter can be examined in terms of a percentage, although this quantitative approach is quickly limiting and difficult to evaluate. Here is an evaluation of the different levels of precision in percentages that reflects how faithful a copy can be to the original work.

Four levels of accuracy of a copy of an old painting are used and described as follows, in popular literature:

50-70% Accuracy : Captures the main outlines and features of the original work, but lacks fine details and textures.
70-85% Accuracy : Better fidelity to the colors and shapes of the original with more refined details, although differences are still noticeable.
85-95% Accuracy : Extremely faithful copy with colors, shapes and details almost identical to the original, difficult to discern to the untrained eye.
95-100% Accuracy : Almost indistinguishable copy of the original, requiring exceptional expertise and a long lead time.

This guide helps understand how the accuracy of copies of old paintings varies and what this means for collectors, curators, and art lovers.

Accuracy of 50-70%

At this level, the copy captures the broad outlines and main features of the original work. The colours and shapes are recognisable, but the fine details, textures and subtleties of the original technique may be missing or approximate. This means that while the copy is identifiable as a representation of the original work, it lacks the finesse and depth that make the original unique.

Accuracy of 70-85%

A copy with an accuracy of 70 to 85% shows greater fidelity to the colors and shapes of the original. Details are more refined and the work begins to resemble the original more convincingly. However, differences in texture, depth and nuances may still be noticeable, especially to connoisseurs. This level of accuracy is often sufficient for reproductions intended for spaces where the original work cannot be exhibited.

Accuracy of 85-95%

Here, the copy is extremely faithful to the original. The colors, shapes and details are almost identical. The techniques of the original artist are well reproduced, making the differences difficult to perceive to the untrained eye. Only in-depth analysis could reveal the discrepancies. This level of precision is often achieved by experienced copyist artists, using sophisticated techniques and a keen eye for detail.

Accuracy of 95-100%

A copy at this level is virtually indistinguishable from the original, even to an expert. Every aspect of the painting, including techniques, colors, textures, and fine details, are reproduced with extreme precision. This level of copying is rare, requires exceptional expertise, and a very long time to complete. Copies of this precision are often used in contexts where the substitution for the original must be near perfect.

Conclusion

These levels of accuracy show how faithful a copy can be to the original work, reflecting the skill of the copyist and the techniques used to reproduce the authenticity of the old painting. Understanding these differences can help appreciate the value and work behind each level of copying. Whether you are a collector, curator, or art lover, knowing these nuances can enrich your appreciation of copies of old paintings.

Phi-Artiste offers its expertise service: to discover