COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY ERTÉ?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Erté 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 an Erté?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Erté’s work or whether it clearly does not. Because his production includes original gouaches and drawings as well as prints and sculpture, identifying the medium and examining its physical characteristics are important to a more definitive assessment.

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 Erté today?

Yes. Erté had an exceptionally long and prolific career, and original designs and works on paper can remain in private collections or family possessions without having been widely documented.

Do I need to get my Erté 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 Erté authenticated?

Not for you. For works on paper, simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the signature and inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. For sculpture, photographs from several angles and close-ups of signatures, edition numbers, foundry marks, and the base are particularly useful. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Erté?

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 Erté?

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 Erté gouache or print is authentic?

No. A signature must be considered together with the medium, technique, materials, provenance, dimensions, and other characteristics of the work. For editioned prints, the edition, numbering, paper, printing characteristics, and publication information may also be important.

Can an unsigned Erté work still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself establish that a work is inauthentic. Original designs and other works must be evaluated according to their physical characteristics, technique, provenance, and relationship to Erté’s documented production.

What documents help authenticate an Erté 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 an Erté work be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study signatures, inscriptions, technique, paper, surface, edition information, 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 an Erté?

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

What if my Erté 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 Erté 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 Erté work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, date, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand are important factors; for prints and sculpture, edition information can also significantly affect value.

SELLING

Can you sell my Erté 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 Erté?

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 Erté?

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 Erté?

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 Erté 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 an Erté?

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 Erté?

If you enjoy Erté’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition, including its authenticity, condition, edition where applicable, price, and alternative opportunities.

Can you review an Erté 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 Erté?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints and sculpture, edition information and the specific characteristics of the edition should also be reviewed.

How can I avoid buying a fake Erté?

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 ERTÉ 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 Erté, 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.