COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY CHARLES DUFRESNE?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Charles Dufresne’s work or whether it clearly does not. His production spans paintings, drawings, pastels, etchings, drypoints, and other graphic work, so period and medium must be considered before reaching a conclusion.

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 Charles Dufresne today?

Yes. Works by Dufresne can still emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and family holdings, particularly works on paper and paintings that were never widely published or exhibited.

Do I need to get my Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne authenticated?

Not for you. Send us clear photographs, including the front and reverse where appropriate, close-ups of the signature or inscriptions, 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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be assessed together with the painting’s technique, materials, support, surface, period characteristics, provenance, and other physical evidence.

Can an unsigned Charles Dufresne painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself rule out a painting; authorship must be judged from the total evidence, including technique, materials, provenance, and comparison with documented works.

What documents help authenticate a Charles Dufresne painting or work on paper?

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 Charles Dufresne painting or work on paper be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, handling, surface, paper, inscriptions, signatures, and other important 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 Charles Dufresne?

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

What if my Charles Dufresne has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne painting or work on paper worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors can include medium, period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand; for prints, impression quality, state, paper, and publication details may also matter.

SELLING

Can you sell my Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne?

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 Charles Dufresne?

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

Can you review a Charles Dufresne 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 Charles Dufresne?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Dufresne prints, the printing technique, paper, impression, state, signature or inscriptions, and publication details may also require review.

How can I avoid buying a fake Charles Dufresne?

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 CHARLES DUFRESNE 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 Charles Dufresne, 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.