COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY JACKSON POLLOCK?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Pollock is especially associated with painting, but he also produced an important body of drawings and works on paper as well as prints.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Pollock’s work or whether it clearly does not. His production changed substantially during his career, from earlier figurative and symbolic works to the poured and dripped paintings for which he became famous, so appearance alone may not establish the correct date or attribution.

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 Jackson Pollock today?

Yes. Pollock produced paintings, drawings, works on paper, and prints during a career that evolved considerably in technique and style. Previously undocumented works can still emerge from private collections, estates, and long-held family possessions.

Do I need to get my Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the paint surface or paper, edges where accessible, signatures, inscriptions, labels or other markings, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be considered together with the painting’s materials, technique, support, surface, provenance, proposed date, and other physical and documentary evidence. Pollock’s methods and materials changed during his career, making examination of the work itself particularly important.

Can an unsigned Jackson Pollock painting or drawing still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a work attributed to Pollock inauthentic. Materials, technique, support or paper, provenance, chronology, and other physical and documentary evidence must be evaluated together.

What documents help authenticate a Jackson Pollock 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, collection labels, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Jackson Pollock painting or drawing be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study paint application, surface, canvas or paper, edges, signatures, inscriptions, labels, 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 Jackson Pollock?

No. Many works 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 pigments, commercial paints, binders, canvas, paper, grounds, or other materials.

What if my Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock painting or drawing worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, date, dimensions, condition, provenance, quality, rarity, period, exhibition history, and market demand are among the principal factors that may affect value. Works from Pollock’s mature poured-paint period occupy a particularly important position in his market.

SELLING

Can you sell my Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock before selling it?

Usually not. Pollock’s surfaces and unconventional paint applications can contain important technical evidence, and unnecessary treatment may alter or obscure it. We generally recommend obtaining specialist conservation advice before significant cleaning or restoration.

How long does it take to sell a Jackson Pollock?

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 Jackson Pollock?

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

Can you review a Jackson Pollock 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 Jackson Pollock?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The proposed date, materials, support, technique, provenance, surface characteristics, and relationship to Pollock’s documented periods of production should also be evaluated carefully.

How can I avoid buying a fake Jackson Pollock?

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 A JACKSON POLLOCK 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 Jackson Pollock, 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.