COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY JEAN LURÇAT?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Jean Lurçat 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 tapestry, painting, ceramic, or work on paper may be by Jean Lurçat, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Lurçat worked substantially across these media and is especially associated with modern tapestry.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Jean Lurçat 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 Jean Lurçat?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Jean Lurçat’s work or whether it clearly does not. With tapestries, further examination may be necessary to determine the relationship between the design, weaving, workshop information, and date of production.

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 Jean Lurçat today?

Yes. Previously undocumented paintings, ceramics, works on paper, tapestry designs, and woven works can still emerge from private collections, estates, and family holdings.

Do I need to get my Jean Lurçat 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 Jean Lurçat authenticated?

Not for you. Send us clear photographs, dimensions, close-ups of signatures, woven marks, labels, ceramic marks, or other identifying details, together with anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Jean Lurçat?

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 Jean Lurçat?

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 or mark alone prove that a Jean Lurçat work is authentic?

No. A painted signature, woven name or monogram, label, or ceramic mark can be copied, altered, or added later. Authentication requires the marking to be considered together with the work’s materials, technique, construction, provenance, and other evidence.

Can an unsigned Jean Lurçat work still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a conventional signature does not by itself exclude authenticity. Depending on the medium, woven marks, labels, inscriptions, workshop information, technical characteristics, and provenance may provide more meaningful evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Jean Lurçat work?

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 Jean Lurçat work be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is extremely useful: for tapestries we may request overall images, close-ups of the weave, edges, reverse, labels, and woven marks; ceramics should be photographed from several angles including the base. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination.

Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of a Jean Lurçat?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Fiber, dye, pigment, ceramic-body, or other material testing is generally reserved for cases in which questions remain concerning age or composition.

What if my Jean Lurçat has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Jean Lurçat 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 Jean Lurçat work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors can include medium, date, subject or design, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand; for tapestries, the weaving, workshop information, and edition or production details may also be significant.

SELLING

Can you sell my Jean Lurçat 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 Jean Lurçat?

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 Jean Lurçat?

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 Jean Lurçat?

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 Jean Lurçat before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the tapestry, painting, ceramic, or work on paper in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to intervene.

How long does it take to sell a Jean Lurçat?

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 Jean Lurçat?

If you enjoy Jean Lurçat’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and compare it with alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Jean Lurçat 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 Jean Lurçat?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For tapestries, weaving and production information can also materially affect attribution and value.

How can I avoid buying a fake Jean Lurçat?

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, unauthorized, 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 JEAN LURÇAT 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 Jean Lurçat, 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.