COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY SAM FRANCIS?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Sam Francis’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because his abstract compositions vary substantially in density, scale, color, paint application, and use of open space across different periods.

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 Sam Francis today?

Yes. Francis produced a substantial body of paintings, works on paper, lithographs, screenprints, aquatints, and other prints, and previously undocumented works can remain in private collections, estates, and family holdings.

Do I need to get my Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the painted or printed surface, signatures, inscriptions, labels, dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be evaluated together with the painting’s technique, materials, support, provenance, and physical characteristics. Francis also signed documented prints, so the presence of his signature must always be interpreted in relation to the specific medium and object.

Can an unsigned Sam Francis painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself exclude an attribution to Francis. Paint application, materials, support, composition, provenance, date, and comparison with securely documented works must be considered together.

What documents help authenticate a Sam Francis painting?

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 Sam Francis painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study color, paint application, surface, support, signatures, inscriptions, labels, condition, and important details 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 Sam Francis?

No. Many paintings and works on paper 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, binders, supports, or other materials.

What if my Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis artwork worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Date, medium, dimensions, composition, condition, provenance, rarity, edition where applicable, and market demand are among the principal factors affecting the value of a Sam Francis work.

SELLING

Can you sell my Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis?

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 Sam Francis?

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

Can you review a Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, the technique, paper, edition or proof designation, signature, and catalogue information can also be particularly important; documented Francis prints include lithographs, screenprints, and aquatints.

How can I avoid buying a fake Sam Francis?

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 SAM FRANCIS 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 Sam Francis, 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.