COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY PABLO PICASSO?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Pablo Picasso 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, print, ceramic, or sculpture may be by Pablo Picasso, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Picasso’s work or whether it clearly does not. His exceptionally varied production included paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, collages, and other media, so the relevant characteristics depend on the type and period of the work.

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 Pablo Picasso today?

Yes. Picasso was extraordinarily prolific over a career spanning nearly eight decades, producing tens of thousands of works across numerous media. Works that remained in private collections or family ownership without extensive publication or exhibition histories can therefore still emerge.

Do I need to get my Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso authenticated?

Not for you. For paintings and works on paper, send clear photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of signatures, inscriptions, labels and important details, and the dimensions. For sculpture or ceramics, include photographs from several angles together with details of marks, inscriptions, edition numbers, bases, surfaces, and construction. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso painting is authentic?

No. A signature is only one element of an authentication and must be evaluated together with the materials, technique, support, surface, provenance, and other physical and documentary evidence.

Can an unsigned Pablo Picasso painting still be authentic?

Yes. Picasso did not sign every painting he created. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting inauthentic.

What documents help authenticate a Pablo Picasso painting, drawing, or sculpture?

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 Pablo Picasso painting, drawing, print, ceramic, or sculpture be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely. For three-dimensional works, photographs from several angles and close-ups of marks, inscriptions, bases, surfaces, and edition information are particularly useful. 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 Pablo Picasso?

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 the age or composition of paint, canvas, paper, pigments, inks, clay, glazes, metals, or other materials.

What if my Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include medium, date and period, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand; for prints, ceramics, and sculpture, edition and production information may also materially affect value. Picasso’s extensive print production included etching, lithography, and linocut, often in multiple states or editions.

SELLING

Can you sell my Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso 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 a Pablo Picasso?

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 Pablo Picasso?

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

Can you review a Pablo Picasso 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 Pablo Picasso?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, ceramics, and sculpture, edition, production, printing, casting, or workshop information may also be particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Pablo Picasso?

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 Picasso.

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 PABLO PICASSO 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 Pablo Picasso, 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.