COULD YOUR SCULPTURE BE BY AGUSTÍN CÁRDENAS?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Agustín Cárdenas 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 sculpture 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 an Agustín Cárdenas?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a sculpture appears consistent with Agustín Cárdenas’s work or whether it clearly does not. His sculptures were executed in materials including wood, marble, and bronze, so material, surface, construction, and date must also be considered.

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 Agustín Cárdenas today?

Yes. Sculptures can remain unidentified in private collections, estates, and family holdings for decades, particularly when documentation has been lost or separated from the work.

Do I need to get my Agustín Cárdenas 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 an Agustín Cárdenas authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs from several angles, including the base, surface, signature or monogram, inscriptions, foundry marks, edition information, and any labels, together with the dimensions and anything you know about the sculpture’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Agustín Cárdenas?

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 an Agustín Cárdenas?

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 an Agustín Cárdenas sculpture is authentic?

No. Signatures and monograms must be evaluated together with the material, carving or casting technique, surface, dimensions, provenance, and date. Bronze examples may also require examination of foundry and edition information where applicable.

Can an unsigned Agustín Cárdenas sculpture still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature or monogram does not by itself exclude an attribution to Agustín Cárdenas. Material, technique, form, surface, provenance, and comparison with documented sculptures remain important evidence.

What documents help authenticate an Agustín Cárdenas sculpture?

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 an Agustín Cárdenas sculpture be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study form, material, surface, carving or casting characteristics, inscriptions, marks, 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 an Agustín Cárdenas?

No. Many sculptures can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for difficult cases when questions remain concerning wood, stone, metal composition, patina, or the age of materials.

What if my Agustín Cárdenas has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Agustín Cárdenas 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 Agustín Cárdenas sculpture worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include material, date, dimensions, subject, condition, provenance, rarity, whether the sculpture is unique or cast in an edition, and market demand.

SELLING

Can you sell my Agustín Cárdenas 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 Agustín Cárdenas?

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 Agustín Cárdenas?

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 Agustín Cárdenas?

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 Agustín Cárdenas before selling it?

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

How long does it take to sell an Agustín Cárdenas?

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 an Agustín Cárdenas?

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

Can you review an Agustín Cárdenas 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 an Agustín Cárdenas?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? Material, provenance, and, for bronze sculptures, edition and casting information may also be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Agustín Cárdenas?

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 AN AGUSTÍN CÁRDENAS 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 Agustín Cárdenas, 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.