List of artwork forgeries in New Horizons

From Nookipedia, the Animal Crossing wiki
Blathers commenting on the forgery in New Leaf

A forgery is an article of Art that is fake, that may be obtained from Crazy Redd's or, starting in New Leaf, from a villager. Compared to authentic pieces of art, forgeries are close to worthless: they may not be donated to Blathers at the Museum and are worth zero Happy Room Academy (Happy Home Academy in New Leaf) points. Prior to New Leaf, there is no way to determine whether a piece of art is fake or not prior to purchasing it.[1][2][3]

Prior to Animal Crossing: Wild World

In Animal Crossing and related titles, all paintings sold in Tom Nook's store, the catalog, or at Crazy Redd's are authentic, although Redd charges the player four times than how much they would actually cost when purchased from the catalog.[4]

In Animal Crossing: Wild World

Tom Nook still sells paintings, although they are spotlight items and only the Famous Painting and Fine Painting are available for purchase. Outside the catalog, the primary method of acquiring new paintings is from Crazy Redd's, for double the regular price. Contrary to popular belief, there is no way to determine whether a painting is authentic or not prior to purchasing it, and Redd does not give any hints either.[1]

The painting may be identified as fake by donating it to Blathers or selling it to either Tom Nook or Timmy and Tommy, where they will comment on it. Upon doing so, the item's name changes to "forged painting". The item's name also changes after one day from purchase, even if it was not inspected. Forgeries may be sold to Tom Nook for 10 Bells.

If damage insurance is bought from Lyle, and a forged painting is given to him, the player will be mailed 100 Bells.[1]

In Animal Crossing: City Folk

Blathers commenting on the forgery in City Folk

Out of all paintings, only the Basic Painting and the Common Painting are spotlight items, leaving the rest of the paintings obtainable only from Crazy Redd's. In addition, artwork can no longer be purchased from the catalog, which means paintings that were obtained before can only be bought again from Redd.[5]

Similar to Wild World, it is not possible to determine whether a painting is authentic or not prior to purchasing from Redd; however, Feng shui plays a role in increasing the probability of a painting bought being authentic.[3]

Similar to Wild World, forgeries may be sold to Tom Nook or Timmy and Tommy for 10 Bells.[5]

In Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Inside Crazy Redd's in New Leaf. Notice the forged Wistful Painting (left) and Famous Painting (right)

Articles of art (that is, paintings and statues) are no longer sold at Timmy and Tommy's store, leaving the player with Crazy Redd's as the primary means of acquiring art. Compared to older versions, however, Redd offers four articles of art every time he sets up his tent, and determining an artwork's authenticity just by looking at it (that is, before purchasing) is now possible. In addition, some paintings, such as the Calm Painting, are guaranteed to be authentic.

It is possible that Redd offers two authentic pieces of art[6] (although only one may be purchased). It is also possible that he will offer none.[7] Feng shui appears to affect the probability of more (or less) genuine pieces of art appearing.[8]

Villagers may also offer the player to buy paintings (but not sculptures) from them. They will offer a slightly lower price, although they do not know whether their painting is authentic or not, thus making the purchase a gamble. Feng shui also appears to affect the probability of paintings sold by villagers being genuine.[8] Obviously, some paintings sold by villagers are guaranteed to be authentic (such as the aforementioned Calm Painting).

Blathers, Timmy and Tommy, and Reese will identify that an artwork is fake—the former will refuse to accept the forgery, whereas the latter two will charge the player a disposal fee of 100 Bells.

Spotting a Fake

Animal Crossing: New Leaf introduces a way to determine whether a piece of art is a forgery or not before buying from Redd's Gallery. The following table describes the differences between genuine and fake artwork.

Paintings

Painting forgeries in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Name Genuine Forgery Description
Amazing painting Amazing Painting NL Texture.png Amazing Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the man in the middle is dressed in white, and the man in next to him is dressed in black. If the man in the middle is dressed in black, and the other man is dressed in white, it is real.
Basic painting Basic Painting NL Texture.png Basic Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, both of the boy's arms are bent. If only his left arm is bent, it is genuine.
Calm painting Calm Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Common painting Common Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Dynamic painting Dynamic Painting NL Texture.png Dynamic Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, Mount Fuji is much larger, appearing closer to the foreground. If it is small and distant, it is genuine.
Famous painting Famous Painting NL Texture.png Famous Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the woman's left hand is on top of her right hand. If the left hand is below her right hand, it is genuine.
Fine painting Fine Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Flowery painting Flowery Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Graceful painting Graceful Painting NL Texture.png Graceful Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the woman is looking towards the left. If she's looking to the right, it is genuine.
Jolly painting Jolly Painting NL Texture.png Jolly Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the nose is made of a carrot with green leaves hanging beneath. If the nose is made of a green vegetable, it is genuine.
Moody painting Moody Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Moving painting Moving Painting NL Texture.png Moving Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the shell beneath Venus is upside down. If the shell is shown in its upward position, it is genuine.
Neutral painting Neutral Painting NL Texture.png Neutral Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the large leaf at the top-left has a hole in it, resembling the leaf icon for furniture. If the leaf does not have a hole, it is genuine.
Nice painting Nice Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Perfect painting Perfect Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Proper painting Proper Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Quaint painting Quaint Painting NL Texture.png Quaint Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the woman is not wearing a hat. If she is wearing a white hat, it is genuine.
Scary painting Scary Painting NL Texture.png Scary Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the man's hands are only pointing one finger. If he has all the fingers sticking out, it is genuine.
Scenic painting Scenic Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Serene painting Serene Painting NL Texture.png Serene Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the woman is holding a fluffy white cat. If she is holding a skinny white ermine, it is genuine.
Solemn painting Solemn Painting NL Texture.png Solemn Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the blonde girl in the middle appears larger than the girl to the left. If the blonde girl and the girl on the left are on the same height, it is genuine.
Warm painting Warm Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Wild painting Wild Painting NL Texture.png Wild Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, Fūjin and Raijin are mirrored horizontally. If Fūjin is on the right and Raijin on the left, it is genuine.
Wistful painting Wistful Painting NL Texture.png Wistful Painting (Fake) NL Texture.png In the forgery, the woman's hat is colored red. If her hat is colored blue, it is genuine.
Worthy painting Worthy Painting NL Texture.png This painting is always genuine.

Statues

Statue forgeries in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Name Genuine Forgery Description
Ancient statue Ancient Statue NL Model.png Ancient Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, the statue's eyes are partially opened. If the statue's eyes are closed, it is genuine.
Beautiful statue Beautiful Statue NL Model.png Beautiful Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, the woman's hair goes down to her shoulders. If it only cover her ears, it is genuine
Gallant statue Gallant Statue NL Model.png Gallant Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, David has a cloth hanging over his right shoulder. If there is no cloth on David's right shoulder, it is genuine.
Great statue Great Statue NL Model.png Great Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, Kamehameha's hand is pointed downwards. If his hand is pointed upwards, it is genuine.
Motherly statue Motherly Statue NL Model.png Motherly Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, there is only one child beneath the wolf. If there are two children, it is genuine.
Mystic statue Mystic Statue NL Model.png Mystic Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, the hat appears spherical. If her hat is cylindrical, it is genuine.
Robust statue Robust Statue NL Model.png Robust Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, the man is holding a UFO. If he is holding a smooth disc, it is genuine.
Valiant statue Valiant Statue NL Model.png Valiant Statue (Fake) NL Model.png In the forgery, the statue has bat wings.<br>If the statue has feathery angel wings, it is genuine.

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Paintings and sculptures are sold at Jolly Redd's Treasure Trawler following the 1.2.0 update. Like in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, forgeries have visible differences once again. However, the differences are not the same as in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Like before, Redd may have more than one genuine artwork in stock (although the player can only buy one), or he may have none at all. When buying an artwork, the player will have the option of looking closely at it, which may make it easier to spot a fake.

Blathers or Timmy & Tommy will identify if an artwork is a forgery; should that be the case, Blathers will refuse to donate it to the museum and Timmy & Tommy will refuse to buy the artwork. The only way to dispose the fake artwork is to use a waste bin furniture.

Spotting a Fake

The following is a list of artwork, along with their forgeries, in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Which pieces of art have forgeries and which do not are mostly the same as in New Leaf, with the exception of two statues which were always genuine and now have forgeries.

Paintings

Painting forgeries in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Name Genuine Forgery Description
Academic painting Academic Painting NH Texture.png Academic Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, there is a coffee stain in the top right corner. The forgery also has a key taped to the back of the canvas. If there is no stain and key, it is genuine.
Amazing painting Amazing Painting NH Texture.png Amazing Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the man in the middle dressed in black is not wearing a hat. If the man does have a hat, it is genuine.
Basic painting Basic Painting NH Texture.png Basic Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the boy has a bowl haircut with long bangs. If he has shorter and wavier hair, it is genuine.
Calm painting Calm Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Common painting Common Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Detailed painting Detailed Painting NH Texture.png Detailed Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the flowers are purple and no stamp and signature are on the left edge. If there are blue flowers and the stamp and signature are present, it is genuine.
Dynamic painting Dynamic Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Famous painting Famous Painting NH Texture.png Famous Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the woman's eyebrows are raised. If her eyebrows are relaxed, it is genuine.
Flowery painting Flowery Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Glowing painting Glowing Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Graceful painting Graceful Painting NH Texture.png Graceful Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the white collar around her neck is missing and she fills up the whole frame. The woman on the forged painting will also periodically look the wrong way. If she has a white collar and takes up less of the frame, it is genuine.
Jolly painting Jolly Painting NH Texture.png Jolly Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the artichoke in its torso is missing. If there is an artichoke in its torso, it is genuine.
Moody painting Moody Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Moving painting Moving Painting NH Texture.png Moving Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the sky behind the right-hand woman is clearly visible and there are flowers floating about. If there are trees behind her, it is genuine.
Mysterious painting Mysterious Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Nice painting Nice Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Perfect painting Perfect Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Proper painting Proper Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Quaint painting Quaint Painting NH Texture.png Quaint Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the liquid coming out of the vase is wide and vibrant. If the liquid pouring out of the vase is thin, it is genuine.
Scary painting Scary Painting NH Texture.png Scary Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the man's eyebrows slant upwards and inwards and makes him look sad. Additionally, the man on the forged painting will periodically smile. If the eyebrows slant downwards and inwards to make him look angry, it is genuine.
Scenic painting Scenic Painting NH Texture.png Scenic Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, there is only one hunter in the bottom left. If there are two hunters, it is genuine.
Serene painting Serene Painting NH Texture.png Serene Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the woman is holding a black and white patterned ermine. If she is holding a pure white ermine, it is genuine.
Sinking painting Sinking Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Solemn painting Solemn Painting NH Texture.png Solemn Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the man in the background has his right arm raised as if waving. If the arm goes behind the curtain, it is genuine.
Twinkling painting Twinkling Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Warm painting Warm Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
wild painting left half Wild Painting Left Half NH Texture.png Wild Painting Left Half (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, Raijin is green rather than white. If Raijin is colored white, it is genuine.
wild painting right half Wild Painting Right Half NH Texture.png Wild Painting Right Half (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, Fūjin is white rather than green. If Fūjin is colored green, it is genuine.
Wistful painting Wistful Painting NH Texture.png Wistful Painting (Fake) NH Texture.png In the forgery, the woman's earring is star-shaped. Additionally, the woman on the forged painting will periodically open and close her eyes. If the earring is rounded, it is genuine.
Worthy painting Worthy Painting NH Texture.png This painting is always genuine.
Includes data sourced from the Data Spreadsheet for Animal Crossing New Horizons, compiled and edited by 6480, noizhub, Ricky, chaiinchomp, saberslime, robotic_scarab, mollumisc, sunmarsh, kyrokey, obstinateRixatrix, jackiwi, Zalex, SuperHamster, kait, hyuum, Azarro, Czarcasm, cinnamon_swirlix, astronomyfortwo, Welcius, glowtopia, BriKun, Alyrei, dodocodes.com, StevieCoops, sneeze, Shiny190, TwistedPeach, LavaToaster, capstone, vmario, rocklamp, Alexis, Aeon, and PanchamBro.

Statues

Statue forgeries in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Name Genuine Forgery Description
Ancient statue Ancient Statue NH Icon.png Ancient Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, the statue has a pair of antennae on its head. Additionally, the forged statue's eyes will glow in the night, and it will float if interacted with as an ordinary piece of furniture. If the statue does not have a pair of antennae, it is genuine.
Beautiful statue Beautiful Statue NH Icon.png Beautiful Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, there are three necklaces around her neck. If there are no necklaces, it is genuine.
Familiar statue Familiar Statue NH Icon.png This statue is always genuine.
Gallant statue Gallant Statue NH Icon.png Gallant Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, David is shown holding a book between his arm and waist. If David does not have a book, it is genuine.
Great statue Great Statue NH Icon.png This statue is always genuine.
Informative statue Informative Statue NH Icon.png Informative Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, the Rosetta Stone is colored blue and glows in the night. If the Rosetta Stone is colored in dull gray, it is genuine.
Motherly statue Motherly Statue NH Icon.png Motherly Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, there is a tongue hanging out of the she-wolf's mouth. If there is no tongue, it is genuine.
Mystic statue Mystic Statue NH Icon.png Mystic Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, there is an earring on Nefertiti's right ear. If there is no earring, it is genuine.
Robust statue Robust Statue NH Icon.png Robust Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, there is a wrist watch on his right wrist. If there is no watch, it is genuine.
Rock-head statue Rock-Head Statue NH Icon.png Rock-Head Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, the statue's lips are slightly curled into a smile. If the lips are more neutral, it is genuine.
Tremendous statue Tremendous Statue NH Icon.png Tremendous Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, there is a lid on the statue. If the top is open, it is genuine.
Valiant statue Valiant Statue NH Icon.png Valiant Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, the statue is mirrored, having its left leg in front and a seemingly smaller right wing.<br>If its right leg in front and its left wing appears smaller, it is genuine.
Warrior statue Warrior Statue NH Icon.png Warrior Statue (Fake) NH Icon.png In the forgery, the man is holding a shovel. If there is no shovel, it is genuine.
Includes data sourced from the Data Spreadsheet for Animal Crossing New Horizons, compiled and edited by 6480, noizhub, Ricky, chaiinchomp, saberslime, robotic_scarab, mollumisc, sunmarsh, kyrokey, obstinateRixatrix, jackiwi, Zalex, SuperHamster, kait, hyuum, Azarro, Czarcasm, cinnamon_swirlix, astronomyfortwo, Welcius, glowtopia, BriKun, Alyrei, dodocodes.com, StevieCoops, sneeze, Shiny190, TwistedPeach, LavaToaster, capstone, vmario, rocklamp, Alexis, Aeon, and PanchamBro.

References