COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY VILHELM HAMMERSHØI?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 or drawing may be by Vilhelm Hammershøi, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. His documented oeuvre consists principally of paintings and drawings, and new works unknown to the earliest catalogue raisonné continue to surface.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Hammershøi’s work or whether it clearly does not. His paintings require close attention to paint handling, support, ground, palette, surface, and working method, all of which have been studied extensively through modern technical imaging and scientific analysis.

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi today?

Yes. The early catalogue raisonné recorded 335 paintings and 44 drawings, but additional works unknown to its compilers have continued to surface and expand the known oeuvre.

Do I need to get my Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the paint surface or paper, signature, inscriptions, labels, stamps, stretcher or panel, 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription is only one element of evidence and cannot establish authenticity by itself. It must be evaluated together with the painting’s materials, technique, support, date, provenance, and physical characteristics.

Can an unsigned Vilhelm Hammershøi painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself establish that a painting is inauthentic. Attribution should be based on the complete body of evidence, including materials, technique, support, date, provenance, and comparison with securely documented works.

What documents help authenticate a Vilhelm Hammershøi 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, collection inventories, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Vilhelm Hammershøi painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint application, surface, support, inscriptions, labels, 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. When necessary, imaging and scientific methods can help investigate underdrawing, changes beneath the paint surface, pigments, binding media, canvas, ground layers, and other material characteristics.

What if my Vilhelm Hammershøi has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparison with documented works, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration, and original paint surfaces can be especially important. Hammershøi sometimes deliberately left paintings unvarnished, making it particularly important not to alter a surface unnecessarily before professional evaluation.

How long does it take to sell a Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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

Can you review a Vilhelm Hammershøi 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The support, materials, paint surface, proposed date, provenance, exhibition history, and relationship to documented works should also be examined carefully, particularly because extensive technical information is now available for comparison with securely attributed paintings.

How can I avoid buying a fake Vilhelm Hammershøi?

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 VILHELM HAMMERSHØI 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 Vilhelm Hammershøi, 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.