COULD YOUR PAINTING OR DRAWING BE BY JOSÉ ARBURU Y MORELL?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by José Arburu y Morell may be rare, every work deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar or undocumented.

If you believe your painting or drawing may be by José Arburu y Morell, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Arburu is documented principally as a painter, particularly of portraits and figure subjects, and surviving works include oil paintings as well as preparatory drawings.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to José Arburu y Morell since 2002. We issue Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals, valuations, provenance reports, and provide buying, selling, brokerage, and investment advisory services for collectors, attorneys, insurers, financial institutions, estates, museums, and private clients worldwide.

Getting started is straightforward. Simply send us photographs of the work, including the front and reverse where appropriate, close-up photographs of important details and inscriptions, its dimensions, and any information you have regarding its history or ownership. After reviewing the material, we will recommend the most appropriate course of action.

AUTHENTICATION

Is this a José Arburu y Morell?

From a good photograph, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Arburu’s work or clearly does not. His paintings include portraits, figure compositions, genre subjects, and landscapes, making careful comparison of technique, light, color, materials, and subject particularly important.

What services do you provide?

We provide authentication, certification, Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals and valuations, provenance research, private sales and brokerage, investment advice, and analytical art market research.

Is it possible to discover a previously unknown José Arburu y Morell today?

Yes. Arburu died at only twenty-five after a short career that included work in Cuba and Europe, and paintings may still survive in private collections without complete modern documentation.

Do I need to get my José Arburu y Morell authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your work for its full market value. It is also important for insurance, estate planning, charitable donations, financing, and many legal purposes.

Is it complicated to get a José Arburu y Morell authenticated?

Not for you. For a painting, send photographs of the front and reverse, paint surface, signature or inscriptions, labels, and other important details; for a drawing, include clear photographs of the complete sheet and reverse. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a José Arburu y Morell?

It depends on how much is already known about the work when we begin the investigation. In the simplest cases, authenticity can be confirmed within a couple of weeks. More complex cases may require several months.

How much does it cost to authenticate a José Arburu y Morell?

From the low hundreds to the high thousands. It depends on how much is already known and documented, where relevant records are located, and whether travel or scientific testing is required.

Can a signature alone prove that a José Arburu y Morell painting or drawing is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be evaluated together with technique, materials, age, provenance, physical construction, and comparison with securely attributed works.

Can an unsigned José Arburu y Morell painting or drawing still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself exclude an attribution to Arburu. Technique, materials, subject, provenance, age, and comparison with accepted works remain essential.

What documents help authenticate a José Arburu y Morell painting or drawing?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the work may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, exhibition records, restoration or conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, inventories, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a José Arburu y Morell painting or drawing be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography allows us to study composition, paint handling or drawing technique, materials, surface characteristics, signatures, inscriptions, labels, and other evidence remotely. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination. We examine works worldwide.

Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of a José Arburu y Morell?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of pigments, grounds, canvas, paper, or other materials.

What if my José Arburu y Morell has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparative analysis, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for José Arburu y Morell works?

Yes. Upon completion of the authentication, we issue a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) together with a detailed and fully referenced Authentication Report.

APPRAISALS & VALUATIONS

How much is my José Arburu y Morell painting or drawing worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include medium, subject, date, quality, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand; figure paintings and portraits are particularly relevant within Arburu’s surviving oeuvre.

SELLING

Can you sell my José Arburu y Morell for me?

Yes. We specialize in private sales but use every appropriate selling method to obtain the highest possible net price. We manage the process professionally, confidentially, and on your behalf.

Do I need an appraisal before selling my José Arburu y Morell?

Yes. Your work should be priced correctly for the country, market, and method of sale. An independent appraisal helps prevent both underpricing and overpricing.

Do I need authentication before selling my José Arburu y Morell?

Yes. Without authentication, a work attributed to Arburu may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my José Arburu y Morell?

Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, timing, presentation, and the chosen sales method can all influence the final result. We also provide collection management advice designed to maximize value.

Should I restore my José Arburu y Morell before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the work in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell a José Arburu y Morell?

Higher-value works generally require more time to sell because there are fewer qualified buyers. Correct pricing, strong documentation, and the appropriate sales method all contribute to a successful sale.

BUYING & ADVISORY

Should I buy a José Arburu y Morell?

If you enjoy Arburu’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a José Arburu y Morell before I buy it?

Yes. We provide independent pre-purchase research and analysis for collectors and investors. We also prepare predictive art market forecasts and Buy-Hold-Sell recommendations.

What should I check before buying a José Arburu y Morell?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The medium, subject, date, provenance, materials, inscriptions, and relationship to securely attributed works should also be considered.

How can I avoid buying a fake José Arburu y Morell?

Call us before you buy. An independent review before completing the purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of acquiring a forged or misattributed work.

Can you advise me on building a collection?

Yes. We advise collectors on the financial aspects of acquisition, ownership, collection management, and eventual sale.

REQUEST A JOSÉ ARBURU Y MORELL AUTHENTICATION OR APPRAISAL

Whether you require authentication, a Certificate of Authenticity, an appraisal, valuation, provenance research, buying advice, selling assistance, brokerage, or investment guidance regarding a work attributed to José Arburu y Morell, our specialists are available to assist.

Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your work with one of our experts.