IGOR GRABAR

1871–1960

COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY IGOR GRABAR?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Igor Grabar 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 painting 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 Igor Grabar painting?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Igor Grabar’s work or clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because his handling and finish can differ across landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and different periods of his career.

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 Igor Grabar painting today?

Yes. Paintings can remain in private collections, estates, and family holdings for generations without being widely published or documented.

Do I need to get my Igor Grabar painting authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your painting 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 Igor Grabar painting authenticated?

Not for you. Send us clear photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the signature or inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about the painting’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Igor Grabar painting?

It depends on how much is already known about the painting when we begin. 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 Igor Grabar painting?

From the low hundreds to the high thousands. The cost 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 Igor Grabar painting is authentic?

No. A signature can be copied or added later, so it must be considered together with the painting’s materials, technique, age, condition, provenance, and other physical evidence.

Can an unsigned Igor Grabar painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting inauthentic. The work must be evaluated as a whole.

What documents help authenticate an Igor Grabar painting?

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

Can an Igor Grabar painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photographs of the front, reverse, signature, surface, edges, and labels allow us to study 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 an Igor Grabar painting?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for difficult cases when questions remain about the age or composition of the support, ground, pigments, or other materials.

What if my Igor Grabar painting has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is missing or incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparative analysis, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Igor Grabar 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 Igor Grabar painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Igor Grabar painting 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 Igor Grabar painting?

Yes. Your painting 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 Igor Grabar painting?

Yes. Without authentication, your painting may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Igor Grabar painting?

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 Igor Grabar painting before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the painting in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell an Igor Grabar painting?

Higher-value paintings 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 Igor Grabar painting?

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

Can you review an Igor Grabar painting 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 Igor Grabar painting?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Grabar, the painting’s period, subject, provenance, and physical characteristics should also be considered.

How can I avoid buying a fake Igor Grabar?

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 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 AN IGOR GRABAR 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 Igor Grabar, 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.