COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY AN IMPORTANT MARITIME ARTIST?

Previously unknown maritime paintings continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. Every painting deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because its artist, vessel, subject, or history is presently unknown.

If you believe your painting may be by an important maritime artist, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of maritime paintings 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, including the front, reverse, signature, labels, inscriptions, frame, and important details, 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 an important maritime painting?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with the work of a known maritime artist or clearly does not. Identifying the artist, vessel, location, or historical event depicted may require additional research.

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 maritime painting today?

Yes. Maritime paintings frequently survive in private and family collections with incomplete attribution or provenance, and further research can sometimes identify the artist, vessel, location, or historical subject.

Do I need to get my maritime painting authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell an attributed maritime 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 maritime painting authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the signature, paint surface, labels and inscriptions, 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 maritime painting?

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 attribution or provenance cases may require several months.

How much does it cost to authenticate a maritime painting?

From the low hundreds to the high thousands. It depends on how much is already known and documented, where relevant records are located, and whether travel or scientific testing is required.

Can a signature alone prove who painted a maritime painting?

No. A signature can provide important evidence, but it must be consistent with the artist’s known signatures and with the painting’s technique, materials, age, provenance, and other characteristics.

Can an unsigned maritime painting still be authentic or attributable?

Yes. Many genuine maritime paintings are unsigned or have signatures that are difficult to detect. Attribution may instead depend on style, technique, materials, subject matter, provenance, and comparison with documented works.

What documents help authenticate a maritime painting?

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

Can a maritime painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography allows us to examine composition, technique, signature, inscriptions, labels, construction, and other important characteristics 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 maritime painting?

No. Many maritime 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 the materials.

What if my maritime painting has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is missing, authentication relies more heavily on artist research, technical examination, photography, materials, subject identification, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for maritime paintings?

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 maritime painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Artist attribution, subject, period, quality, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, market demand, and the significance of any identifiable vessel or historical event can influence value.

SELLING

Can you sell my maritime painting 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 maritime painting?

Yes. Your painting should be priced correctly for the country, market, attribution, and method of sale. An independent appraisal helps prevent both underpricing and overpricing.

Do I need authentication before selling my maritime painting?

Yes, when the painting is being offered as the work of a particular artist. Without credible authentication, an attributed painting may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my maritime painting?

Yes. Authentication, artist attribution, provenance, valuation, subject identification, 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 maritime painting 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 maritime painting?

Higher-value paintings generally require more time to sell because there are fewer qualified buyers. Correct pricing, strong attribution, good documentation, and the appropriate sales method all contribute to a successful sale.

BUYING & ADVISORY

Should I buy a maritime painting?

If you enjoy maritime art, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition, its attribution, market position, and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a maritime painting 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 maritime painting?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is the attribution authentic? What is the painting’s condition? Is the price reasonable? The identity of the vessel, location, or historical event depicted may also be important to understanding the work.

How can I avoid buying a fake or misattributed maritime painting?

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, incorrectly signed, or misattributed painting.

Can you advise me on building a maritime art collection?

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

REQUEST A MARITIME PAINTING AUTHENTICATION OR APPRAISAL

Whether you require authentication, artist identification, a Certificate of Authenticity, an appraisal, valuation, provenance research, buying advice, selling assistance, brokerage, or investment guidance regarding a maritime painting, our specialists are available to assist.

Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your painting with one of our experts.