COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Murillo’s work or whether it clearly does not. Because Murillo’s compositions were widely admired and copied, a first impression may not 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo today?

Yes. Paintings and drawings by Old Masters can remain in private collections for generations with incomplete documentation or uncertain attribution. An unfamiliar Murillo attribution therefore deserves evaluation on its evidence rather than immediate dismissal.

Do I need to get my Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the paint 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be evaluated together with the painting’s materials, technique, provenance, condition, and other evidence. A convincing signature cannot establish authorship by itself.

Can an unsigned Bartolomé Esteban Murillo painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make an Old Master painting inauthentic. Attribution must be based on the work as a whole and the available documentary and technical evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Bartolomé Esteban Murillo painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the painting 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, paint handling, surface characteristics, inscriptions, condition, and other 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing of pigments, canvas, ground, or other materials is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning their age or composition.

What if my Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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

Can you review a Bartolomé Esteban Murillo 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For an Old Master painting, provenance and the extent and quality of previous restoration should also be carefully considered.

How can I avoid buying a fake Bartolomé Esteban Murillo?

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 BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO 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 Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 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.