COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Thomas Gainsborough’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because his production includes highly finished portraits, landscapes, and works on paper executed with substantially different techniques and degrees of finish.

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 Thomas Gainsborough today?

Yes. Gainsborough produced paintings as well as a substantial body of landscape and figure drawings, and works can remain in private collections and family holdings without having received modern scholarly attention. His documented drawings range from rapid graphite studies to highly finished compositions using chalk, ink, watercolor, wash, and gouache.

Do I need to get my Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of important details, signatures, inscriptions, labels, dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. For works on paper, photographs of the complete sheet, edges, reverse, and any watermarks or collector’s marks are particularly useful. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be evaluated together with technique, materials, support, provenance, and the physical characteristics of the painting. Gainsborough also used a monogram on some documented drawings, illustrating why markings must always be considered in relation to the specific object.

Can an unsigned Thomas Gainsborough painting still be authentic?

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

What documents help authenticate a Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, brushwork, surface, support, signatures, inscriptions, 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 Thomas Gainsborough?

No. Many paintings and works on paper can be evaluated 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, canvas, paper, or other materials.

What if my Thomas Gainsborough has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common, particularly with works more than two centuries old. 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 Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough artwork worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, subject, date, dimensions, condition, provenance, quality, rarity, and market demand are among the principal factors affecting value. Portraits and landscapes form particularly important parts of Gainsborough’s painted oeuvre.

SELLING

Can you sell my Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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 Thomas Gainsborough?

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

Can you review a Thomas Gainsborough 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 Thomas Gainsborough?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For works on paper, the paper, chalk, graphite, ink, wash, watercolor, gouache, inscriptions, and condition may be particularly important; Gainsborough used a wide range of drawing techniques.

How can I avoid buying a fake Thomas Gainsborough?

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 THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH 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 Thomas Gainsborough, 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.