How do I tell the difference between a ';signed'; print oil painting and a original?

-The painting is all ready ';pre-framed'; from a gallery, (1940's or 50's).


-The painting is oil on canvas.


-The painter is William Lee Hankey (English).


How do I tell the difference between a ';signed'; print oil painting and a original?
To my knowledge, his works weren't produced as oliographs (that is, prints that look like oil paintings). He was a prolific artist in oils, watercolours and also produced his own print works (which do look like etchings etc). I'm not sure what you mean by pre-framed. If you look at the painting from the side, with a strong light on it, you should be able to see brush strokes, which would mean it's probably an original. Some artists signed their work and some didn't. I would advise you strongly to take a good print photo of it and send it to Tate Britain Gallery (the UK's holding of English art), Millbank, London SW1. They will be pleased to give you an opinion. And if you live in a city of any size, there may be art auction houses where they would also give you an opinion. There is an online art gallery which markets his work, and this would give you an idea of prices, both for original and print work (have forgotten its name, but I think it's allison gallery)%26gt;How do I tell the difference between a ';signed'; print oil painting and a original?
A print is a reproduction or a copy. An original is the actual painting where the paint is present.