Why do I find the art with difficult signatures?

Ok so here is full portrait oil on canvas of George Washington. At first glance, the date looks like 1882 however it also looks like 1982 and someone tweeked the 9? Can anyone make out the name? I came up with Makriz but there a couple of Greek artists Makris however the subject and medium do not match. I do not have a photo of the back yet but hope to get it soon.
Thoughts?

 

I believe there was some tweaking going on...and maybe that word says COPY?

 

I think that's a copy of Washington by Gilbert Stuart. Probably one of many.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lansdowne_portrait

 

In this copy George is looking you straight in the eye!

 

Yes that is what I told one of my consignors......we are going to have a major disagreement because he doesn't see the '9'......

 

the detail is definitely not there.....the giltwood table in the original is so vibrant and true to color.....

 

Because one 8 would be written directly after the other 8, I don't see why there would be a hesitation in the stroke?

 

by his expression, it looks like he just let one go.

 

and there is no dog in the room to blame

 

I'd think an 1882 copy (as noted) for display at a government building. There has to be hundreds of copies of Stuart's full-length portrait out there to serve that purpose. And whether he sees the "8" or not, the script is 19th century. G. Morris a possibility.

Debora

 

A photo of the back might help a lot. There are many (many) paintings being copied and with the addition of the word "copy" this seems not meant to deceive.

 

I did a search of AFTER GILBERT STUART (American, 1755-1828)
The Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington and did see many copies that were truly 19th c. I just think the date is very suspect - the hand writing could be in 19th c script written in the 1980's......the signature also looks like ink.....

 

I'm not sure why anyone in the 20th century would want to copy this painting. Why don't you post a photograph of the back? Always helpful in dating.

Debora

 

Debora, I stated in the first post that I will not be able to get photos of the back for a couple of days. I agree that it certainly helps to determine age or if a painting was relined, etc. As soon as I get one, I will update. I am sure there are a few people who like to paint after master works just to copy them.

 

yes the back of the painting will tell the story. which canvas is used, which stretcher, and what nail were used etc. you can all date these

 

The smaller lower circle on the first 8 compared to second 8 makes it pretty easy to see someone try to doctor a number 9 into a number 8?