COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY SALVADOR DALÍ?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Dalí’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because Dalí worked across numerous media and his technique, imagery, signatures, and methods of production varied considerably during his long career.

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 Salvador Dalí today?

Yes. Dalí was exceptionally prolific and worked in paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculpture, and other media. Works and documentation can remain in private collections and estates for decades without having been widely published or recognized.

Do I need to get my Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the signature, inscriptions, edition information and other important details, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí work is authentic?

No. Dalí signatures require careful evaluation, particularly on prints and multiples. A signature must be considered together with the medium, technique, paper or support, edition information, provenance, date, and other physical evidence.

Can an unsigned Salvador Dalí work still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a work inauthentic. Signing practices differ according to medium and circumstances, so the work must be evaluated on the evidence as a whole.

What documents help authenticate a Salvador Dalí work?

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

Can a Salvador Dalí work be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study technique, surface, signature, inscriptions, paper or support, edition information, labels, and other characteristics 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 Salvador Dalí?

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, inks, paper, canvas, or other materials.

What if my Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include medium, period, subject, dimensions, quality, condition, provenance, rarity, and, for prints and multiples, edition and production details.

SELLING

Can you sell my Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí?

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 Salvador Dalí?

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

Can you review a Salvador Dalí 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 Salvador Dalí?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, sculpture, and other multiples, edition information and the circumstances of production are particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Salvador Dalí?

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, unauthorized, 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 SALVADOR DALÍ 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 Salvador Dalí, 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.