For example, if the piece includes a signature or initials, ask to see a dictionary of artist signatures. You will probably need the help of an expert to investigate paintings and prints.

Artist signatures are uncommon for the time, however, and more of Panselinos' work will need to be analyzed to confirm the find. More from ARTnews.com ...

Ready to invest seriously in art? Pro tip: pay attention to the size of the artist's signature. In this case, bigger is better. That's the takeaway from a new study out in the European Journal of ...