You’ve seen him. That intense, wide-eyed kabuki actor leaning out of the frame with his hands clawed like he’s ready to jump you. He’s arguably the most iconic piece of art in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but honestly, he’s also the one that causes the most stress when Redd’s boat pulls up.
Getting the Scary Painting real vs fake call right is basically a rite of passage for any museum completionist. If you mess it up, you’re out nearly 5,000 Bells and stuck with a piece of junk Blathers won't touch with a ten-foot pole.
But here’s the thing: the fake version isn't just a "bad" copy. It’s actually one of the most interesting items in the entire game.
The One Detail That Gives It Away
In the real world, this masterpiece is a woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku titled Ōtani Oniji III in the Role of Yakko Edobei. It’s famous for that specific, aggressive scowl.
When you're standing in the dim light of the Treasure Trawler, you need to look at the eyebrows.
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On the genuine Scary Painting, the eyebrows slant downward toward the center of the face. It makes the actor look genuinely angry, menacing, and, well, scary. He’s a villain in a play, and he looks the part.
The fake Scary Painting does the exact opposite. The eyebrows slant upward and inward. Instead of looking like a threat, he looks... worried? Sad? Sorta like he just realized he left the stove on back at the theater. If those brows are making him look like he’s about to cry, leave it on the boat.
Why You Might Actually Want the Fake
Wait. Don’t run away yet.
Most fakes in ACNH are just annoying storage-fillers that you have to pay to throw away or dump on a mystery island. But the Scary Painting is part of an elite club of "Haunted" artwork.
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If you buy the forgery and hang it on your wall, something creepy happens at night. Around 7:00 PM, that "sad" expression on the actor's face changes. The frown flips into a disturbing, toothy grin.
It’s legitimately unsettling.
For players who love a spooky aesthetic or want to build a "haunted house" room, the fake is actually more valuable than the real one. You can't donate it, but it’s a killer conversation piece. Just don't blame me if you can't sleep with those eyes watching you.
Quick Checklist for Redd’s Boat
- Angry Brows (Slanting Down): Buy it for Blathers. This is the real deal.
- Sad Brows (Slanting Up): It's a fake. Buy it only if you want a smiling ghost in your living room.
- The Hands: Some people think the fingers change, but they don't. Stick to the eyebrows; they’re the only reliable tell.
Identifying the Real Thing Every Time
If you’re still unsure, remember that real art in New Horizons has a "certificate of authenticity" on the back. Once you buy it and it arrives in your mailbox, you can check the back of the frame. Genuine pieces have a small white slip of paper with a description and a seal.
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Fakes? Bare wood.
If you’re trying to complete the museum, you’re looking for that angry scowl. Sharaku was known for his exaggerated, almost satirical portraits of actors, and that "mean" look is his signature.
The Scary Painting real vs fake dilemma is really just a test of your observation skills. Take your time, zoom in with the camera tool if you have to, and don't let that fox pressure you into a bad deal.
Next Steps for Your Museum
If you've already secured your Scary Painting, your next move should be checking the back of your other art pieces. Check for that white label to confirm your collection is 100% legit. If you find a fake, don't just toss it—wait until nightfall to see if it’s one of the other haunted pieces, like the Wistful Painting that blinks or the Ancient Statue that floats.