COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY GIOTTO DI BONDONE?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic paintings by Giotto di Bondone are exceptionally 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 may be by Giotto di Bondone, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Giotto di Bondone 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 Giotto di Bondone?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Giotto’s work or whether it clearly does not. Because his surviving panel paintings are few and works connected with his workshop and followers also exist, attribution can require careful examination of technique, materials, construction, and condition.

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 Giotto di Bondone today?

Yes. Medieval paintings can remain unidentified, altered, fragmentary, or incorrectly attributed for generations, and technical examination can reveal evidence that was previously inaccessible. An unfamiliar early Italian painting should therefore be evaluated on its merits rather than dismissed simply because it is undocumented.

Do I need to get my Giotto di Bondone 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 Giotto di Bondone authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the painted surface, edges, inscriptions, labels, and other important details, together with the dimensions and anything you know about the painting’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription cannot establish authorship by itself. For a painting attributed to Giotto, the support, ground, pigments, gilding, technique, provenance, condition, and relationship to securely attributed works must all be considered.

Can an unsigned Giotto di Bondone painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting attributed to Giotto inauthentic. Attribution depends on the complete stylistic, technical, material, and documentary evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Giotto di Bondone painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the work may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, collection records, exhibition records, restoration or conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Giotto di Bondone painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint application, gilding, surface characteristics, condition, inscriptions, and other visible 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 Giotto di Bondone?

No. Many paintings can first be assessed through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. In difficult cases, infrared imaging, X-radiography, pigment analysis, examination of the ground and gilding, or dendrochronology of a wooden support may provide important additional evidence.

What if my Giotto di Bondone has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is not automatically disqualifying. When provenance is limited, greater weight may be placed on the support, materials, ground, pigments, gilding, painting technique, technical imaging, and comparison with securely attributed works.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Giotto di Bondone 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 Giotto di Bondone painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Attribution, subject, date, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality, and current market demand can all materially affect value.

SELLING

Can you sell my Giotto di Bondone 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 Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone before selling it?

Usually not. Medieval panel paintings can be exceptionally sensitive to intervention, and previous restoration can substantially affect their surface, appearance, and condition. We generally recommend selling the painting in its present condition unless there is a compelling conservation reason to intervene.

How long does it take to sell a Giotto di Bondone?

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 Giotto di Bondone?

If you appreciate Giotto’s paintings, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition, attribution, condition, provenance, and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Giotto di Bondone 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 Giotto di Bondone?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? Given the small number of securely attributed portable paintings, the precise attribution, support, materials, provenance, condition, and possible workshop involvement require especially careful examination.

How can I avoid buying a fake Giotto di Bondone?

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 later imitation, forgery, or misattributed painting.

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 GIOTTO DI BONDONE 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 Giotto di Bondone, 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.