COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY VINCENT VAN GOGH?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Vincent van Gogh 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, watercolor, or print may be by Vincent van Gogh, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Van Gogh’s documented oeuvre includes paintings, drawings, watercolors, and a small number of prints.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Van Gogh’s work or whether it clearly does not. His materials, technique, and handling changed significantly during his career, so the apparent period and medium must also be considered.

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 Vincent van Gogh today?

Yes. Van Gogh produced paintings and a substantial body of works on paper, and previously unfamiliar works can potentially emerge from old private collections, estates, and family holdings. Any proposed discovery must be evaluated carefully on its individual evidence.

Do I need to get my Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh authenticated?

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

How long does it take to authenticate a Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh painting is authentic?

No. A signature alone cannot establish authenticity and must be evaluated together with the painting’s materials, technique, provenance, and physical characteristics. Van Gogh’s authentic signatures vary, and many of his paintings were not signed at all.

Can an unsigned Vincent van Gogh painting still be authentic?

Yes. Van Gogh left most of his paintings unsigned, so the absence of a signature is not in itself evidence against authenticity. Authentication must instead consider the painting as a whole.

What documents help authenticate a Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint application, surface, canvas or other support, signatures, inscriptions, labels, and other characteristics remotely. Photographs of both the front and reverse and detailed images of signatures and inscriptions are particularly useful; 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 Vincent van Gogh?

No. Many works can be evaluated through provenance research, comparative analysis, technical examination, and detailed photography. Scientific testing can be particularly valuable when questions remain concerning pigments, binders, canvas, grounds, paper, inks, or the age and composition of other materials.

What if my Vincent van Gogh has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is not by itself proof that a work is inauthentic. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on historical research, technical examination, photography, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh painting worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Period, subject, medium, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality, and current market demand can all materially affect the value of a Van Gogh painting.

SELLING

Can you sell my Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration, and original paint surfaces and supports should be treated carefully. 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 Vincent van Gogh?

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 Vincent van Gogh?

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

Can you review a Vincent van Gogh 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 Vincent van Gogh?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For a Van Gogh, provenance, materials, technique, date, support, inscriptions, and the work’s relationship to his documented production deserve particularly careful examination.

How can I avoid buying a fake Vincent van Gogh?

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 VINCENT VAN GOGH 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 Vincent van Gogh, 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.