KANSAS CITY — As the art world notes the 200th birthday of artist George Caleb Bingham this month, questions are being raised about 10 unsigned paintings that have been attributed to the Missouri painter.
Fred R. Kline, a Santa Fe art dealer and researcher, is attributing the paintings to Bingham in online updates to standard catalogs of the artist's work. The paintings have been found in various locations in recent years.
The Kansas City Star reported Monday that some art historians question Kline's conclusions.
Kline says his authentications are based on 30 years as a generalist art historian, including comparative studies with other Bingham works.
Another Bingham researcher, Patricia Moss, says authentication requires rigorous analysis and scientific examination. She says it will be interesting to see what evidence supports the possible discoveries.
