COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY KRISTJAN RAUD?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Kristjan Raud 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 and reverse where possible, 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 Kristjan Raud?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Kristjan Raud's work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because Raud worked in both painting and drawing, including works in pencil, charcoal, gouache, and tempera.

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 Kristjan Raud today?

Yes. Paintings, drawings, sketches, and related works can remain in private collections, estates, or family possessions for decades without appearing in the public market. Raud's surviving body of drawings includes numerous sketches and fragments, making careful examination of previously undocumented material worthwhile.

Do I need to get my Kristjan Raud authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your 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 Kristjan Raud authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of important details and markings, 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 Kristjan Raud?

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 Kristjan Raud?

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 Kristjan Raud painting is authentic?

No. A signature, inscription, or other marking must be considered together with the painting's materials, technique, date, provenance, and supporting documentation. Markings on individual works can provide useful evidence but are not conclusive by themselves.

Can an unsigned Kristjan Raud painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself establish that a Raud painting is inauthentic. Authentication should consider the complete work and its physical, documentary, and provenance evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Kristjan Raud painting?

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 Kristjan Raud painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely, including the surface, support, pigments, technique, markings, and inscriptions. 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 Kristjan Raud painting?

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

What if my Kristjan Raud painting 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 Kristjan Raud 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 Kristjan Raud painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Kristjan Raud 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 Kristjan Raud?

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 Kristjan Raud?

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 Kristjan Raud?

Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, timing, presentation, condition, 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 Kristjan Raud 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 Kristjan Raud?

Higher-value paintings 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 Kristjan Raud?

If you enjoy Raud's paintings or drawings, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Kristjan Raud 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 Kristjan Raud?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For a Raud work, the medium, date, provenance, and documentary evidence may also be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Kristjan Raud?

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 KRISTJAN RAUD 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 Kristjan Raud, 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.