COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY PIERRE BONNARD?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Pierre Bonnard 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, drawing, or print may be by Pierre Bonnard, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Pierre Bonnard 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 together with 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 Pierre Bonnard?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Pierre Bonnard’s work or whether it clearly does not. Bonnard worked in painting, drawing, lithography, and other graphic media across a long career, so the work must be assessed according to its medium and period.

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 Pierre Bonnard today?

Yes. Paintings, drawings, and prints can remain in private collections and estates for generations without being publicly documented, so previously unknown works can still emerge.

Do I need to get my Pierre Bonnard 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 Pierre Bonnard authenticated?

Not for you. For a painting, send photographs of the front and reverse and close-ups of signatures, inscriptions, labels, and important details. For a drawing or print, include clear photographs of the full sheet, margins, paper, inscriptions, and surface, together with the dimensions and anything you know about its history.

How long does it take to authenticate a Pierre Bonnard?

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 Pierre Bonnard?

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

Can a signature alone prove that a Pierre Bonnard painting or print is authentic?

No. A signature must be evaluated together with the work’s technique, materials, age, provenance, and physical characteristics. For prints, paper, printing technique, impression, and inscriptions are also important.

Can an unsigned Pierre Bonnard painting or print still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a work inauthentic. Materials, technique, execution, provenance, and other evidence must be considered together.

What documents help authenticate a Pierre Bonnard work?

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, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Pierre Bonnard painting or print be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study paint application, support, surface, paper, printing characteristics, signatures, inscriptions, and condition 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 Pierre Bonnard?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases involving questions concerning pigments, grounds, supports, paper, inks, or other materials.

What if my Pierre Bonnard has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Pierre Bonnard 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 Pierre Bonnard painting or print worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include medium, period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, quality, rarity, and current market demand. For prints, the particular impression and its condition can also affect value.

SELLING

Can you sell my Pierre Bonnard 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 Pierre Bonnard?

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 Pierre Bonnard?

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

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Pierre Bonnard?

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 Pierre Bonnard before selling it?

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

How long does it take to sell a Pierre Bonnard?

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 Pierre Bonnard?

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

Can you review a Pierre Bonnard 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 Pierre Bonnard?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, paper, printing technique, impression, inscriptions, and condition should also be examined. Bonnard produced numerous lithographs and other graphic works, making correct identification of the medium particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Pierre Bonnard?

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 PIERRE BONNARD 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 Pierre Bonnard, 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.