Artist Signature Reader
Upload a close-up of a hard-to-read signature and get a suggested reading of the name to research. The free reader is in preview: try the upload, then join the waitlist.
Upload a signature
Drop a signature crop here
JPG or PNG · up to 5 MB · max 2000 × 2000 px
Join the waitlist
Be first to try the free Signature Reader when it opens.
How to photograph a signature for reading
Get close and sharp
- Fill most of the frame with the signature.
- Tap to focus on the letters and hold still.
- Keep a little of the surrounding paint in view.
Light it evenly
- Use daylight, not flash.
- For glossy paint, add a shot with light from the side.
- Avoid shadows from your hand or phone.
Crop before uploading
- Crop to the signature with a small margin.
- Keep it upright; rotate if needed.
- Upload the original file, not a screenshot.
What a signature reading can and can't tell you
A reading turns stylized strokes into a name you can search. It is a starting point for research: signatures can be imitated or added later, so any name needs to be compared with documented works and other evidence.
Useful for
- Deciphering stylized, faded or partly hidden signatures.
- Turning a scrawl into searchable name variants.
- Deciding which artist references to check first.
Not enough for
- Establishing who painted a work.
- Ruling out a later or imitated signature.
- A market estimate on its own.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read an illegible signature on a painting?
Photograph it sharply in even light, transcribe the letters you are sure of, and mark uncertain ones. Then compare candidate names with documented signatures in references such as the Bénézit Dictionary of Artists and auction records.
When will the free Signature Reader be available?
We are finishing abuse prevention and cost controls first. Join the waitlist and we will email you once when it opens.
Will a signature reading tell me who painted my artwork?
No. It suggests how the signature most likely reads. A name is a research lead to compare with documented works, not an attribution on its own.
What image should I upload?
A JPG or PNG crop of just the signature, up to 5 MB and 2000 × 2000 pixels, shot straight on without flash.
Can I get a full analysis now?
Yes. A full Veriso analysis already reads the signature together with the rest of the evidence and returns a possible attribution and a market estimate.