For nearly three decades, eBay has been a go-to destination for vintage finds, gadgets, and more. While it’s a treasure trove for collectors, recent reports shed light on a troubling trend: counterfeit artworks by renowned masters like Monet and Renoir are proliferating on the platform.
An investigative report by the Guardian unveils a concerning reality: fake paintings purportedly by Monet and Renoir, among others, are being sold on eBay. Dr. Carina Popovici, CEO of Art Recognition, a Zurich-based start-up utilizing AI to detect art forgeries, discovered over 40 counterfeit masterpieces listed on eBay. “Everything we’ve analyzed turns out to be not real art,” Popovici lamented, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
One listing, a Monet titled “Forest With a Stream,” priced at $599,000 USD by a Florida-based seller, and another, a purported Renoir study for $165,000 USD by an Ohio-based account, were debunked as fakes after authentication tests. Popovici expressed frustration at eBay’s lack of response to her concerns, stressing their responsibility in addressing the rampant problem.
Despite fears surrounding AI, Popovici emphasizes its crucial role in combating art forgery online. “In the past, it was really difficult to spot these things,” she notes, “but with the new technology, it’s easy.” As fake artworks continue to proliferate, it’s imperative for collectors to exercise caution and remain vigilant when navigating eBay’s vast marketplace.
