COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY BERNARDINO LUINI?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Bernardino Luini 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 front and reverse of the painting, 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 Bernardino Luini?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Luini's work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because his style was closely connected with the Leonardesque tradition in Lombardy and questions of attribution can involve workshop, follower, and later-copy distinctions.

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 Bernardino Luini today?

Yes. Luini produced paintings, frescoes, and works associated with substantial decorative commissions, and works or fragments with incomplete histories can still emerge from private collections and older holdings. A previously undocumented painting deserves investigation when its materials, technique, and style warrant it.

Do I need to get my Bernardino Luini 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 Bernardino Luini authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the painted surface and important details, 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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription cannot establish authenticity by itself. The support, ground, pigments, paint handling, underdrawing, condition, provenance, and relationship to securely attributed works must be considered together.

Can an unsigned Bernardino Luini painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself exclude a painting from Luini's oeuvre. Many Renaissance paintings were unsigned, making stylistic, technical, documentary, and material evidence especially important.

What documents help authenticate a Bernardino Luini painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the painting may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, collection inventories, exhibition records, restoration or conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Bernardino Luini painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study the composition, painted surface, support, condition, inscriptions, and important details 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 Bernardino Luini?

No. Many paintings can be evaluated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. When questions remain, imaging and analysis of the support, ground, pigments, underdrawing, and other materials can provide important evidence.

What if my Bernardino Luini has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common, particularly with paintings of this age. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparison with documented works, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Bernardino Luini 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 Bernardino Luini painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Attribution, subject, date, dimensions, support, condition, provenance, quality, rarity, and market demand are among the principal factors affecting value.

SELLING

Can you sell my Bernardino Luini 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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini 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 Bernardino Luini?

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 Bernardino Luini?

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

Can you review a Bernardino Luini 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 Bernardino Luini?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Luini, the precise attribution and distinction between an autograph painting, workshop production, follower, and later copy can be particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Bernardino Luini?

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 collection?

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

REQUEST A BERNARDINO LUINI 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 Bernardino Luini, 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.