Authentication and Evaluation of Paintings

Online Resources for Collectors and Students of Art History

Authentication and Evaluation of Paintings

What is the provenance of the painting (its history)?

Some tips:

Knowing the history of the ownership of the painting helps establish its legitimacy.

Sales receipts and exhibition stamps on the back of the painting are helpful.

Sometimes the history of a painting can add value. Some owners and ownership stories are more important than others.

The history and quality of the frame surrounding the painting can also add substantial value.

A strong exhibition history of a painting at museums can add substantial value compared to a similar quality painting that did not have an exhibition history.

Check with a library to see if there is a catalogue raisonné of the artist's works. A catalogue raisonné is a complete, annotated catalogue of the works of a deceased artist. It contains the history of ownership of each work.

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