Acquiring genuine art pieces from Jolly Redd in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires a keen eye for subtle detail. Among the vast collection available, the Scary Painting stands out as an iconic piece based on Toshusai Sharaku's famous woodblock print of Otani Oniji III. Knowing how to distinguish the real masterpiece from a clever forgery saves your hard-earned Bells and helps complete your museum exhibit.
Examining the Eyebrows and Facial Expression
The primary visual clue to identify the authentic Scary Painting lies directly on the actor's face. In the original genuine version, the man's eyebrows slant sharply downward towards the center, creating an intense and angry scowl. In contrast, the forged version displays eyebrows that slant upward and inward, giving the figure a sad or worried appearance instead.
Some variations of the fake artwork also alter the character's mouth into a faint smile rather than a fierce frown. Always inspect the facial features closely before finalizing your purchase from Redd's vessel.
Checking the Hands and Fingers
Another key detail to observe when inspecting the Scary Painting involves the positioning of the hands. In authentic copies, the actor's fingers are fully extended and spread wide to accentuate his dramatic pose. Forged versions occasionally alter the hand gesture so that only one finger is pointing outward while the rest remain folded.
This anatomical discrepancy makes it much easier to spot a fake at a glance once you know where to look. Taking a moment to compare the fingers ensures you do not spend your money on fraudulent decor.
Haunted Art Secrets and Museum Donations
Interestingly, the fake Scary Painting belongs to a secret category of haunted art in the game. During late hours, players have observed that the expression on the fake version can unsettlingly shift from sad to smiling. While these haunted mechanics make for interesting island decorations, Blathers will strictly refuse fake art for museum donations.
If you accidentally purchase a forgery, you cannot sell it at Nook's Cranny either. You will need to store it, display it in your home, or dispose of it using a household trash bin.
Tips for Buying Art from Jolly Redd
Whenever Jolly Redd docks his Treasure Trawler along your island's northern beach, inspect every painting using the zoom option. Comparing the artwork in front of you with real-world art history details quickly reveals subtle mistakes introduced in the fake versions. Exercising patience before handing over 4,980 Bells ensures your museum gallery grows efficiently.
