COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY LOUIS-JEAN-FRANÇOIS LAGRENÉE?

Previously unknown paintings by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic paintings by Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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, including clear images of the front and reverse, 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Lagrenée's work or whether it clearly does not. His compositions, figure drawing, handling of paint, subject matter, and refined finish can provide important initial clues, but a first impression is not by itself conclusive.

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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting today?

Yes. Eighteenth-century paintings can remain in private collections, descend through families, or be recorded under incorrect attributions, making previously undocumented Lagrenée paintings worthy of investigation.

Do I need to get my Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of important details and signatures, 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

It depends on how much is already known about the painting 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be considered together with the painting's composition, technique, materials, age, condition, provenance, and other evidence relevant to its attribution.

Can an unsigned Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a visible signature does not by itself exclude an authentic Lagrenée painting. Attribution depends on the total body of evidence rather than on a signature alone.

What documents help authenticate a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the painting 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint handling, surface characteristics, signatures, and condition 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

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

What if my Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée paintings?

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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Principal factors include attribution, period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality, and current market demand.

SELLING

Can you sell my Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

If you enjoy Lagrenée's work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities without making unsupported predictions about future appreciation.

Can you review a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée 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 a Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable?

How can I avoid buying a fake Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painting?

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 Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée collection?

Yes. We advise collectors on the financial aspects of acquisition, ownership, collection management, and eventual sale.

REQUEST A LOUIS-JEAN-FRANÇOIS LAGRENÉE 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 painting attributed to Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée, our specialists are available to assist.

Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your painting with one of our experts.