I Made This! An Emphasis on Origin

April 19–July 10, 2022
Forsyth Galleries | Memorial Student Center, MSC 2428

 
Taking a closer look at the signatures and various marks on a work of art can tell you not only about who was behind its creation, but the what, where, when, and sometimes, even provide clues as to why it was made. I Made This! examines the signatures and marks on paintings, glass, silver, pewter, ceramics, and other artistic mediums and uncovers the stories behind their placement.

Signing a work of art first became prevalent during the early Renaissance when art production shifted from co-operative guild systems to a celebration of individual creativity. A signature was the perfect way to differentiate your talent from that of peers. Signatures and marks can also be used to keep a record of time, place, and the composition of the item made. And while a maker’s mark can help determine authorship, they can also be misleading. Looking at over 100 works across the spectrum, I Made This! examines the signatures and marks that have become so vital to the way we study the history of art and the problems that can sometimes arise when using them to determine authenticity.

 

Inside the Exhibition

Exhibition title reads "I Made This!" in red letters and "An Emphasis on Origin" in black letters.
Bottom of vase showing maker's mark.
On the left are two paintings on the wall. One is a portrait of a female and the other is a landscape of West Texas. On the right is a dispaly case with tall glass vases with flowers on them.
Case of glass vases, pitchers and bowls all of dark colors.
Bottom of vase showing maker's mark.
Case of purple, green, blue, and black glass objects with their underneath markings being displayed.
Bottom of paperweight showing maker's mark.
Gallery wall of drawings and prints of bison, horses, and birds.
Bottom of vase showing maker's mark.
Case of glass bowls and vases displaying the objects' maker's marks. The exhibition title wall is in the background and reads "I Made This! An Emphasis on Origin."
View of the bottom of a bowl displaying the maker's mark.
White and yellow glass bird flask
Bottom of bowl showing maker's mark.
Case of glass bowls and vases displaying the objects' maker's marks. The exhibition title wall is in the background and reads "I Made This! An Emphasis on Origin." To the left is a wall of prints and drawings of animals.
A handmade Texas A&M themed quilt hanging on the wall. The lower right edge has been lifted to reveal the names of the Aggie Moms who made the quilt.
Display case of glass bowls and plates showing the maker's marks on the bottom. A mountain and river landscape painting hangs in the background.
Bright and colorful landscape painting with a scull and bones and trees and mountains in the background.

 

Virtual Tour

Step inside the galleries and view this exhibition virtually. This interactive tour lets you move through the space while viewing the artworks on display. You can find more digital resources to explore on our Virtual Tours page.