| Composers | Explorers | Scientists | Historical Figures |
Some portraits are an exception in the world of paintings because it is not who painted them which makes them so valuable but who they portray.
Take the case of William Shakespeare. At most we have one portrait of the illustrious dramatist. We are not even sure it is really Shakespeare.
The Chandos portrait. Perhaps portraying William Shakespeare.
Imagine now that you would have an old portrait in your hallway and that upon examination a dark inscription William Shakespeare would appear in a corner.
Even if we had no idea who painted it, how much would this newly discovered portrait of Shakespeare be worth?
Somewhere between 25 and 50 million dollars. Yes, and the reason is that Mr. Shakespeare is a national and multinational cultural figure of utmost significance.
This is what is so fascinating about portrait paintings. The value does not come from who painted them but from who they represent.
Shakespeare is not the only man whose likeness would be extremely valuable. The portraits of celebrated composers, explorers, inventors, scientists, writers, artists and thinkers are also high ticket paintings.
Identifying portraits is one of the unique services we offer. For a sitter to be posititively identified the following criteria must be met:
a) Forensic. The nature and age of the materials must match the estimated date of the portrait
b) Technique and style. The painting technique and style must fit with the estimated date of the portrait.
c) Historic consistency. The hairdo, clothing, and all other elements in the composition must historically match the date and place of the portrait
d) Biometric match. This requires at least one existing portrait otherwise no comparison can be made.
e) Positive H30. When applicable. This is a portraits identification method we developed.
Portrait identification can also be supported by historic and provenance research.
From the last portrait of Ernest Hemingway, to Picasso's sister Lola, to Mozart and his mother, to Margherita Gonzaga, to an unusual portrait of George Washington, to an unknown portrait of Leonardo da Vinci in an American museum, to Commodore Perry, we are the leading paintings portraits identification experts.
If you own a portrait painting, please contact us, it could be extremely valuable.
