COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY ANDRÉ MASSON?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by André Masson 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, drawing, or print may be by André Masson, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Masson worked extensively as a painter, draftsman, printmaker, and illustrator and also produced sculpture.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to André Masson 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 an André Masson?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with André Masson’s work or whether it clearly does not. His oeuvre encompasses conventional paintings as well as automatic drawings, sand paintings, prints, and other experimental techniques, so the characteristics relevant to attribution vary considerably by medium and period.

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 André Masson today?

Yes. Masson had a long career extending from the early twentieth century into the 1980s and produced extensively in painting, drawing, and printmaking, so works can remain in private collections or family ownership without broad public documentation.

Do I need to get my André Masson 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 an André Masson authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of important details, the signature or inscriptions, dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an André Masson?

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 an André Masson?

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 an André Masson painting is authentic?

No. A signature is only one element of an authentication. Technique, materials, support, surface, provenance, date, and documentary evidence must also be considered.

Can an unsigned André Masson painting or drawing still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a work inauthentic. This is particularly important with drawings and experimental works, where attribution should depend on the work as a whole rather than a signature alone.

What documents help authenticate an André Masson painting or drawing?

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 an André Masson painting or drawing be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study technique, surface, paper or support, inscriptions, signatures, 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 an André Masson?

No. Many works can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning pigments, paper, canvas, adhesives, sand, or other materials relevant to the particular work.

What if my André Masson has no provenance?

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

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for André Masson 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 André Masson painting or drawing worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, date, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand are among the principal valuation factors, particularly given the substantial diversity of Masson’s production across painting, drawing, and printmaking.

SELLING

Can you sell my André Masson 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 André Masson?

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 André Masson?

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 André Masson?

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 André Masson before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the work in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell an André Masson?

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 an André Masson?

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

Can you review an André Masson 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 an André Masson?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The exact medium, date, technique, and provenance are especially important because Masson’s oeuvre ranges from automatic ink drawings and prints to paintings incorporating unconventional materials such as sand.

How can I avoid buying a fake André Masson?

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 AN ANDRÉ MASSON 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 André Masson, 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.