COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY MAX LIEBERMANN?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Max Liebermann 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 a Max Liebermann?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Max Liebermann’s work or whether it clearly does not. His technique and handling evolved considerably during his long career, so period, subject, materials, and execution must be considered together.

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 Max Liebermann today?

Yes. Paintings, drawings, and works on paper can remain in private collections and family estates for generations without being publicly recorded or appearing on the art market.

Do I need to get my Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of important details and any signature or inscriptions, 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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be evaluated together with the painting’s technique, materials, age, provenance, subject, and overall physical and stylistic characteristics.

Can an unsigned Max Liebermann painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself rule out an attribution to Max Liebermann. Authentication depends on the totality of the stylistic, technical, physical, and historical evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann 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, condition, signatures, and inscriptions 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 Max Liebermann?

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 pigments, grounds, canvas, paper, or other materials.

What if my Max Liebermann has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann?

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 Max Liebermann?

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

Can you review a Max Liebermann 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 Max Liebermann?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? Period, medium, subject, provenance, restoration history, and overall quality should also be considered.

How can I avoid buying a fake Max Liebermann?

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 MAX LIEBERMANN 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 Max Liebermann, 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.