COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY REMBRANDT?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Rembrandt 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 etching may be by Rembrandt, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Rembrandt was a prolific painter, draftsman, and printmaker, and his etchings frequently combine etching with drypoint, engraving, and different states or impressions.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Rembrandt’s work or whether it clearly does not. Attribution can require particular care because paintings, drawings, and prints associated with Rembrandt and his school have long presented complex questions of authorship.

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 Rembrandt today?

Yes. Rembrandt produced paintings, drawings, and a large body of prints, while works by pupils, followers, and later imitators can complicate attribution. A previously undocumented work therefore deserves evaluation on its individual evidence rather than automatic dismissal.

Do I need to get my Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of important details, signatures or inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. For an etching, include clear photographs of the complete sheet, image, margins, and any marks or inscriptions. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be evaluated together with the painting’s materials, technique, support, surface, provenance, proposed date, and other physical and documentary evidence.

Can an unsigned Rembrandt painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting attributed to Rembrandt inauthentic. Authorship must be determined from the work as a whole rather than from a signature alone.

What documents help authenticate a Rembrandt painting, drawing, or etching?

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 Rembrandt painting, drawing, or etching be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study paint application, supports, paper, drawing technique, printing characteristics, inscriptions, and other important features 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 Rembrandt?

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 the age or composition of pigments, canvas, panels, paper, inks, or other materials.

What if my Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt painting, drawing, or etching worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, date, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand are important factors; for prints, state, impression quality, paper, and condition can be especially significant. Rembrandt frequently altered his plates between states and varied the way individual impressions were printed.

SELLING

Can you sell my Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt?

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 Rembrandt?

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

Can you review a Rembrandt 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 Rembrandt?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For an etching, the state, impression, paper, printing characteristics, and condition require particular attention because Rembrandt sometimes substantially reworked plates and produced impressions with significant differences.

How can I avoid buying a fake Rembrandt?

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 REMBRANDT 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 Rembrandt, 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.