One of the most charming and mysterious aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the art collection you can donate to Blathers’ museum. But here’s the catch—not all art is real. The sneaky fox Redd, your in-game art dealer, often sells forgeries, and if you’re not careful, you might end up wasting your hard-earned Bells on a fake.
So how do you tell if a piece of art is fake in Animal Crossing? This guide will help you become a pro at spotting the difference.
1. Visit Redd’s Treasure Trawler
Redd shows up at your island with a boat full of artwork and sometimes furniture. You’re allowed to buy only one piece of art per visit, so it’s crucial to make the right choice.
2. Get Familiar with Real-World Art
Every art piece Redd sells is based on a real-world painting or sculpture. The game usually alters a detail in the forgery version—this is your clue.
For example:
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Mona Lisa (Famous Painting) – The fake version shows her eyebrows raised.
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The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Dynamic Painting) – This one never has a fake, so it’s always safe to buy.
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The Thinker (Informative Statue) – The fake version is wearing a watch, which is obviously anachronistic.
3. Use Online Guides or Apps
Unless you’re an art history expert, it’s tough to remember all the details. Many players rely on community-built comparison guides, apps, or websites like:
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Nookazon
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Polygon’s Art Guide
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Animal Crossing Wiki
These resources show side-by-side images of the real and fake versions of each artwork, making it easy to check before you buy.
4. Spot the Most Common Clues
Here are some general signs that a piece might be fake:
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Extra or missing details (e.g., missing hats, extra objects)
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Wrong size or color (e.g., earlobes too large, hair parted differently)
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Added modern elements (e.g., watches, sunglasses)
Pay attention to small changes—the developers love to hide subtle clues.
5. Time Travel? Use With Caution
Some players try to time travel (changing the date on their Switch) to speed up museum donations. While it can help, it doesn’t change the artwork Redd brings. You’ll still need to verify each piece.
6. What Happens If You Buy a Fake?
If you accidentally buy a forgery, you can’t donate it to the museum, and Blathers will reject it. You can display it in your home or around your island—but it holds no official value.
Final Tips
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Take your time: You only get one purchase per visit.
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Take a screenshot: Then look it up before confirming your choice.
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Share knowledge: If you have friends who play, trade info on real vs fake art.
Conclusion
Collecting artwork in Animal Crossing is a fun mix of creativity, culture, and detective work. Learning how to tell if art is fake can save you time, Bells, and disappointment. With a bit of practice and the right tools, you’ll be curating a museum-worthy collection in no time.
