The Perfect Painting in Animal Crossing: Always Authentic?

Yes, indeed! The Perfect Painting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (and previous iterations) is always genuine. You can breathe easy when purchasing this particular piece from our favorite sly fox, Jolly Redd. There is no forgery, no fake, no gotcha moment lurking for the unwary art enthusiast. You can confidently display it in your home or, more importantly, donate it to Blathers at the museum, enriching your island’s cultural landscape. This makes it a safe and reliable choice when Redd visits your island.

Unraveling the Mystery of Redd’s Art Gallery

Redd, with his cunning smile and treasure-laden trawler, is a staple of the Animal Crossing experience. While his presence is always welcome (mostly!), navigating his inventory of art can be a nerve-wracking gamble. Most of the artworks he offers have a real and a fake version, designed to trip up even seasoned art connoisseurs. This mechanic adds a layer of depth and complexity to the game, encouraging players to research and carefully examine each piece before making a purchase.

The thrill of the hunt for authentic art is undeniable. Successfully identifying a genuine masterpiece and donating it to the museum fills players with a sense of accomplishment. However, the risk of accidentally buying a fake is ever-present. This encourages critical thinking and a keen eye for detail. It fosters an appreciation for art that extends beyond the game itself.

Why is the Perfect Painting Always Real?

This is a great question and one that’s not really addressed in the game. The reason may be linked to the fact that the Perfect Painting is based on Apples and Oranges by Paul Cézanne. Perhaps Nintendo chose to honor a well-known painting by keeping it genuine within the game. Or perhaps it was an oversight by the developers. Whatever the reason, it has become a known piece of art that does not have a fake counterpart.

For those of you who are interested in how video games are created and used for education and learning, check out the Games Learning Society on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Art in Animal Crossing

Here are 15 FAQs for you to check out about the art world of Animal Crossing.

1. Besides the Perfect Painting, which other artworks have fake versions?

Almost all of the artworks Redd sells have fake versions. There are a few exceptions to this, but the majority of the paintings and statues will have real and fake forms. You should always proceed with caution when purchasing art from Redd.

2. How can I tell if a painting or statue is real or fake?

Each fake artwork has a distinct difference from its real counterpart. These differences can be subtle, such as a slight change in color, a missing object, or an added detail. Consult online guides and compare the artwork Redd is selling to the real-world version or a reliable Animal Crossing resource. Some fakes even change appearance at night! The fake Graceful Painting for instance.

3. What happens if I buy a fake painting or statue?

Unfortunately, fake art cannot be donated to the museum. Blathers will politely refuse it. You also cannot sell it to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. However, some fake artworks have unique interactions, such as glowing or moving. You can decorate your island or home with them! Some villagers also don’t mind getting mailed a fake piece of art.

4. Does Redd ever sell more than one real painting or statue at a time?

Yes! Redd can sell multiple real works of art during a single visit. However, you can only purchase one piece of art from him per day. Choose wisely, but it’s worth thoroughly inspecting all the pieces he has on offer. It is also possible for Redd to be selling all fakes, so make sure you check before purchasing.

5. Can all the art pieces in Animal Crossing be fake?

Yes. It is indeed possible for all four of the art pieces Redd offers to be forgeries. This is a rare and frustrating occurrence but highlights the need for careful examination before making a purchase.

6. Is Redd always trustworthy?

Absolutely not! Redd is a cunning fox, and his primary goal is to make a profit. He is notorious for selling fake artwork, so approach him with caution and do your research before buying anything.

7. How often does Redd visit my island?

Redd’s visits are infrequent and random. He typically appears on your island once every two weeks. There’s no guaranteed schedule. Check your island map each day to see if his boat is docked at the secret beach.

8. Can villagers tell if a painting is fake?

No, villagers cannot distinguish between real and fake art. You can even gift them fake art, and they will display it in their homes. Although, some may not accept it as they think it’s “too valuable”.

9. Is it worth buying art from Redd, even if there’s a risk of getting a fake?

Yes, absolutely! Collecting real art for the museum is a rewarding experience. Even fake art can be used for decoration or have unique interactions. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of completing the museum’s art wing make it worthwhile.

10. How much does art cost from Redd?

All art pieces from Redd cost 4,980 Bells, regardless of whether they are real or fake.

11. What is the real-world basis for the art in Animal Crossing?

All the art in Animal Crossing is based on real-world masterpieces. The developers have carefully recreated famous paintings and sculptures, adding an educational element to the game. You can find pieces based on the Mona Lisa, The Starry Night, and the Bust of Nefertiti.

12. Can I buy art from Redd on Harv’s Island?

Yes! Once you unlock Redd’s stall at Harv’s Island Plaza, he will sell two pieces of art daily. However, both pieces can still be real or fake, so be careful. Like on your main island, you can only buy one piece of art per day.

13. Do any of the fake art pieces have special features?

Yes! Some fake art pieces have unique features. For example, the fake Ancient Statue glows at night. The fake Scary Painting becomes angrier at night. These special features make them interesting decorations for your island.

14. How do I unlock Redd in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

To unlock Redd, you must first upgrade the museum by donating at least one bug, one fish, one fossil, and one sea creature. After Blathers expresses his desire to add an art wing, Redd will begin appearing on your island.

15. Are there any statues that are easy to tell if they are fake?

Yes. The Beautiful Statue is easy to tell if it is fake. The real statue is without any necklace, while the fake statue has three necklaces. Similarly, the Robust Statue will have a wrist watch on his right wrist, while the real statue does not have this detail.

Conclusion: Embrace the Artful Adventure

Collecting art in Animal Crossing is a rewarding and engaging activity. While the risk of purchasing a fake from Redd adds a layer of complexity, it also makes the discovery of a genuine masterpiece all the more satisfying. And remember, you can always trust that the Perfect Painting will be a worthy addition to your collection. Happy hunting, fellow art enthusiasts!