COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY FRANCISCO DE GOYA?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Francisco de Goya 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 Goya, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Goya 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 Goya?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Goya’s work or whether it clearly does not. His long career, varied techniques, and extensive production in painting, drawing, and printmaking mean that a first impression may not be definitive.

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 Goya today?

Yes. Goya produced paintings, drawings, and prints over a long career, and previously undocumented works can still emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and family holdings.

Do I need to get my Goya 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 Goya authenticated?

Not for you. For paintings and works on paper, simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of important details, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. For prints, photographs showing the complete sheet, image, margins, paper, inscriptions, and any marks are particularly useful. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Goya?

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 Goya?

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 Goya painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be considered together with the painting’s technique, materials, support, provenance, and other physical and documentary evidence. A signature alone cannot establish authorship.

Can an unsigned Goya painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting inauthentic. An unsigned work must be evaluated through its technique, materials, provenance, physical characteristics, and relationship to Goya’s documented work.

What documents help authenticate a Goya 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 Goya painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study paint application, surface, support, signatures, inscriptions, condition, and other important characteristics 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 Goya?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing of pigments, supports, paper, inks, or other materials is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning their age or composition.

What if my Goya has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common, particularly with works that have remained in private collections for generations. 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 Goya 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 Goya work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand are among the principal valuation factors; for prints, the specific impression, state, paper, and condition are particularly important.

SELLING

Can you sell my Goya 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 Goya?

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 Goya?

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 Goya?

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 Goya 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 Goya?

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 Goya?

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

Can you review a Goya 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 Goya?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, the edition or state, impression quality, paper, margins, and condition can also materially affect desirability and value.

How can I avoid buying a fake Goya?

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 FRANCISCO DE GOYA 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 Francisco de Goya, 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.