COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY ALBERTO GIACOMETTI?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Giacometti’s work or whether it clearly does not. For sculpture, however, the material, dimensions, surface, inscriptions, edition, foundry, and casting history may all require examination 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 Alberto Giacometti today?

Yes. Giacometti worked extensively in sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking, and previously unpublished works can remain in private collections or family holdings. A work should therefore be evaluated on its individual evidence rather than rejected merely because it is unfamiliar.

Do I need to get my Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti authenticated?

Not for you. For sculpture, simply send photographs from several angles, including the base, underside, signature, inscriptions, edition or cast numbers, foundry marks, and surface details, together with the dimensions and anything you know about its history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti sculpture is authentic?

No. A signature alone cannot establish authenticity. For a bronze, the material, dimensions, surface and patina, cast number, edition, foundry marks, casting date, provenance, and casting history may all be important evidence.

Can an unsigned Alberto Giacometti sculpture still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature should not be considered in isolation. The sculpture’s material, construction or casting technique, dimensions, surface, provenance, and any foundry or edition information must be evaluated together.

What documents help authenticate an Alberto Giacometti sculpture?

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 Alberto Giacometti sculpture be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study the form, surface, patina, base, inscriptions, cast numbers, and foundry marks 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 Alberto Giacometti?

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, composition, construction, casting, patina, or other physical characteristics of the materials.

What if my Alberto Giacometti has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, casting and edition information where applicable, and, when appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti sculpture worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. For Giacometti sculpture, date, subject, dimensions, material, edition, foundry, casting date, provenance, condition, rarity, and current market demand can materially affect value. Documented bronzes demonstrate that edition number, foundry, and casting date can be separately identifiable characteristics of a Giacometti cast.

SELLING

Can you sell my Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti?

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 Alberto Giacometti?

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

Can you review an Alberto Giacometti 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 Alberto Giacometti?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For bronze sculpture, the edition, foundry, casting date, inscriptions, cast number, provenance, and relationship between the particular cast and the original model are especially important considerations.

How can I avoid buying a fake Alberto Giacometti?

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 AN ALBERTO GIACOMETTI 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 Alberto Giacometti, 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.