COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY JOHN CROME?

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

If you believe your painting may be by John Crome, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to John Crome 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 painting 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 John Crome painting?

From a good photograph, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Crome’s work or whether it clearly does not. Crome worked in oils and watercolors and was also an accomplished etcher, so the medium, technique, materials, and character of the individual work must be considered carefully.

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 John Crome painting today?

Yes. Paintings, studies, and works on paper can remain in private or family collections for generations without having been publicly documented or offered for sale.

Do I need to get my John Crome painting authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your painting 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 John Crome painting authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us clear photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the signature or inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about the painting’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a John Crome painting?

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

How much does it cost to authenticate a John Crome painting?

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 John Crome painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be evaluated together with the painting’s technique, materials, age, provenance, and other physical and documentary evidence.

Can an unsigned John Crome painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself establish that a painting is inauthentic. The work must be evaluated on the totality of its stylistic, technical, material, and documentary evidence.

What documents help authenticate a John Crome painting?

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

Can a John Crome painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography allows us to study the composition, paint handling, surface, support, signature, inscriptions, and other important characteristics remotely. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination.

Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of a John Crome painting?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for cases where questions remain concerning the age or composition of the materials.

What if my John Crome painting has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for John Crome 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 John Crome painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Important factors include medium, subject, dimensions, quality, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand.

SELLING

Can you sell my John Crome painting 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 John Crome painting?

Yes. Your painting 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 John Crome painting?

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

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my John Crome painting?

Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, condition, 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 John Crome painting before selling it?

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

How long does it take to sell a John Crome painting?

Higher-value paintings 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 John Crome painting?

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

Can you review a John Crome painting 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 John Crome painting?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The medium, provenance, quality, and relationship to Crome’s known work should also be considered.

How can I avoid buying a fake John Crome?

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 JOHN CROME 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 John Crome, 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.