Heinrich Eddelien, "The Origin of Painting"

Heinrich Eddelien, The Origin of Painting, 1831; Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen.

The highly detailed, realistic style of many older paintings, such as this work by Danish artist Heinrich Eddelein, is very difficult to duplicate, especially in a demanding commercial environment where fast turnaround is essential. Reproductions tend to be easier to spot — they often appear sketchy, with false colors, lack of depth and contrast, and an overall sense of speed. The reproduction below is also overly yellow and hasn't made much of an attempt to make the greenery look real.

Altered reproduction of a painting by Heinrich Eddelien.