COULD YOUR SCULPTURE BE BY TILMAN RIEMENSCHNEIDER?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Tilman Riemenschneider 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 sculpture from several angles, its dimensions, photographs of any inscriptions, marks, base, surface, or other important details, together with any information you have regarding its history or ownership. After reviewing the material, we will recommend the most appropriate course of action. Riemenschneider is particularly associated with carved sculpture in limewood and stone, including alabaster and sandstone, making material, carving technique, surface treatment, and construction important considerations in an examination.

AUTHENTICATION

Is this a Tilman Riemenschneider?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a sculpture appears consistent with Riemenschneider's work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression is not definitive because attribution can require close examination of carving, material, dimensions, construction, surface treatment, and workshop context.

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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture today?

Yes. Medieval sculptures can remain in private collections, churches, estates, and inherited collections for generations, and attribution may change when a sculpture is newly researched or technically examined. Riemenschneider's workshop also produced sculptures with assistants working from models, making careful attribution particularly important.

Do I need to get my Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your sculpture 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs from several angles, close-ups of carving details and any inscriptions or marks, the dimensions, and anything you know about the sculpture's history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

It depends on how much is already known about the sculpture 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture is authentic?

No. A signature, inscription, or other mark is only one piece of evidence and must be considered alongside the sculpture's material, carving technique, construction, dimensions, surface, condition, provenance, and historical context.

Can an unsigned Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself exclude an attribution to Riemenschneider. For late medieval sculpture, the quality and characteristics of the carving, material, construction, surface treatment, provenance, and relationship to documented works are much more significant.

What documents help authenticate a Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the sculpture may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, exhibition records, conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely. Photographs should show the sculpture from multiple angles and include close-ups of carving, surface, base, joins, inscriptions, marks, and areas of restoration; 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

No. Many sculptures can be evaluated through research, provenance investigation, photography, stylistic and technical examination, and comparison of materials and construction. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of materials.

What if my Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, material analysis, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Tilman Riemenschneider sculptures?

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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture worth?

We will appraise your sculpture and determine its value. Principal factors include attribution, period, material, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality of carving, and current market demand.

SELLING

Can you sell my Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

Yes. Your sculpture 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

Yes. Without authentication, your sculpture may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the sculpture in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to undertake conservation work beforehand.

How long does it take to sell a Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

Higher-value sculptures 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

If you enjoy Riemenschneider's sculpture, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture 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 Tilman Riemenschneider sculpture?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Riemenschneider sculpture, material, carving quality, workshop attribution, alterations, restoration, and provenance may also materially affect the assessment.

How can I avoid buying a fake Tilman Riemenschneider?

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 sculpture.

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 TILMAN RIEMENSCHNEIDER 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 sculpture attributed to Tilman Riemenschneider, 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.