COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY FRANZ VON LENBACH?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Lenbach is principally known as a portrait painter, but documented studies and drawings also survive.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Franz von Lenbach’s work or whether it clearly does not. His portraits require careful evaluation of facial modeling, paint handling, composition, materials, and his documented use of photographic references.

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 Franz von Lenbach today?

Yes. Lenbach produced a substantial body of portraits, paintings, studies, and drawings, and previously unidentified works can still emerge from private collections, estates, and family possessions. His extensive portrait practice increases the possibility that works have remained outside widely known collections.

Do I need to get my Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us clear photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the face, hands, signature, inscriptions, labels and other important details, 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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 Franz von Lenbach painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be assessed together with the painting’s technique, materials, execution, age, provenance, and other evidence. Lenbach’s documented use of photography as an aid makes examination of the complete working method particularly important.

Can an unsigned Franz von Lenbach painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting inauthentic. Technique, materials, provenance, subject, and comparison with documented works remain more important than any single marking.

What documents help authenticate a Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study facial modeling, paint application, surface, support, signatures, inscriptions, 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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 pigments, paint layers, canvas, ground, or other materials.

What if my Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach painting worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Sitter identity, period, dimensions, quality, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand are particularly important valuation factors for Lenbach portraits.

SELLING

Can you sell my Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 Franz von Lenbach?

Yes. Authentication, sitter identification, 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 Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach?

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 Franz von Lenbach?

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

Can you review a Franz von Lenbach 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 Franz von Lenbach?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Lenbach portraits, sitter identity, provenance, period, quality of execution, and any relationship to known photographic studies can also be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Franz von Lenbach?

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 FRANZ VON LENBACH 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 Franz von Lenbach, 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.