ALEXANDER RODCHENKO

1891–1956

COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY ALEXANDER RODCHENKO?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Alexander Rodchenko 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, photograph, or other work may be by Alexander Rodchenko, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Alexander Rodchenko 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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Rodchenko’s work or whether it clearly does not. Because his production encompassed painting, drawing, photography, photomontage, prints, graphic work, and three-dimensional constructions, the relevant characteristics depend heavily on the medium and date.

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 Alexander Rodchenko today?

Yes. Rodchenko worked across numerous media, and previously undocumented works can emerge from private collections, family holdings, archives, and estates.

Do I need to get my Alexander Rodchenko 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 an Alexander Rodchenko authenticated?

Not for you. Send us clear photographs of the entire work, relevant details and markings, the reverse where applicable, dimensions, and anything you know about its history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate an Alexander Rodchenko?

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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

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 an Alexander Rodchenko work is authentic?

No. Signatures, inscriptions, stamps, labels, and other markings must be evaluated together with the work itself, its materials, date, provenance, and medium.

Can an unsigned Alexander Rodchenko photograph still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself establish that a photograph is inauthentic. The photographic process, paper, printing characteristics, date, provenance, inscriptions, stamps, and other physical evidence must be considered together.

What documents help authenticate an Alexander Rodchenko work?

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 an Alexander Rodchenko work be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, technique, materials, surfaces, inscriptions, stamps, and other relevant 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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

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 materials.

What if my Alexander Rodchenko 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 Alexander Rodchenko 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 Alexander Rodchenko work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Medium, date, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, and market demand are among the principal factors, with photographic prints also requiring careful consideration of printing date and physical characteristics.

SELLING

Can you sell my Alexander Rodchenko 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 Alexander Rodchenko?

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 Alexander Rodchenko?

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 Alexander Rodchenko?

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 Alexander Rodchenko 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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

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

Can you review an Alexander Rodchenko 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 an Alexander Rodchenko?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For photographs, the printing process, printing date, paper, provenance, inscriptions, stamps, and relationship of the print to the original negative may also be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Alexander Rodchenko?

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 AN ALEXANDER RODCHENKO 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 Alexander Rodchenko, 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.