LORENZO LOTTO

About 1480–1556/7

COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY LORENZO LOTTO?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Lorenzo Lotto’s work or whether it clearly does not. Lotto’s style developed across different periods and places, so a first impression may not always be definitive.

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 Lorenzo Lotto today?

Yes. Renaissance paintings can remain in private collections for generations, lose their original attribution, or survive with incomplete documentation. A previously unfamiliar work therefore deserves evaluation on its own evidence.

Do I need to get my Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us clear photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the surface, signature or inscriptions if present, 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be considered together with the painting’s technique, materials, support, condition, provenance, and other evidence. Signatures can be added, altered, or copied.

Can an unsigned Lorenzo Lotto painting still be authentic?

Yes. Not every painting by or attributed to Lotto is signed. The absence of a signature does not by itself rule out authenticity.

What documents help authenticate a Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study the composition, surface, technique, support, 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, stylistic and technical examination, and imaging. Scientific testing may be recommended when questions remain about pigments, ground layers, the support, or the age and composition of materials.

What if my Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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 Lorenzo Lotto?

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

Can you review a Lorenzo Lotto 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 Lorenzo Lotto?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For an Old Master painting, provenance, prior attribution, support, and conservation history can also be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Lorenzo Lotto?

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 LORENZO LOTTO 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 Lorenzo Lotto, 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.