Frequently
Asked Questions

1. The first task is to obtain many high resolution, large size, quality photos.
2. The second task is to obtain all the information you have about the artwork, if you have any. Even if the information has not been verified, even if it has been transmitted by oral tradition, we want to know about it.
3. Once we have examined the photos and reviewed the information we submit an authentication proposal with a quote.
4. The next step is usually one or more of the following:
   • Direct examination of the artwork
   • Research
   • Analysis
   • Scientific tests or forensic studies
5. You receive the authentication report and if confirmed the COA.

No.

1. We can work from quality photos
2. We can examine the art virtually, by video feed, like a Zoom meeting
3. We can examine the art at any art storage facility anywhere in the world
4. We can examine it at your residence, your office, your bank, or wherever you prefer, anywhere in the world

Within 24 to 48 hours.

Generally from a week to 10 days.

Complex cases that require intensive research, travel or scientific tests may take 30 to 45 days.

We don’t charge anything to issue a COA. If everything shows the art is authentic we automatically issue the COA.

No fees at all for many questions we answer, opinions we give, and authentications we perform for select organizations or projects we care about.

Beyond that, fees start at $100 and can get into the low thousands for complicated cases involving scientific tests and intensive research.

Our authentications are based on verifiable facts and references. For this reason our authentications are accepted everywhere and by everyone with the exception of a few countries such as China that have their own unique authentication regulations.

Our experts are PhD and MA level art historians. Some are college professors, some work in museums, some have worked for the best auctioneers. They have from several years to two decades of authentication experience. Complex and important cases are handled by a taskforce consisting of several specialists. We have been authenticating for 21 years and our track record is that during all these years, there has never been a mistake. Regional auctioneers, international auction houses, large insurance companies, banks, countless law firms, Federal Agencies and Police Departments in various countries, rely on our authentications. Art is highly valuable and our clients depend on us to deliver totally reliable conclusions. We perform these authentications accordingly, making absolutely sure the results are correct. Every authentication report is reviewed and evaluated before it is delivered.

Yes. If your Picasso has been reliably authenticated and there is no doubt that it is authentic we will help you to sell it. We offer advice, help or full brokerage service if you want us to handle everything for you.