COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY GEORGE ROMNEY?

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

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to George Romney 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 or drawing 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 George Romney?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting or drawing appears consistent with George Romney’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because Romney worked across different periods and both portrait and history subjects, and attribution can require closer examination of technique, materials, and provenance.

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 George Romney today?

Yes. Paintings and drawings by Romney can remain in private collections or family estates for generations, and a work may be unfamiliar to the market without necessarily being inauthentic.

Do I need to get my George Romney authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your painting or drawing 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 George Romney authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse of the painting or drawing, close-up photographs of important details and inscriptions, the dimensions, and anything you know about its history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a George Romney?

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 George Romney?

From the low hundreds to the high thousands. It depends on how much is already known and documented, where relevant research materials are located, and whether travel or scientific testing is required.

Can a signature alone prove that a George Romney painting is authentic?

No. A signature is only one piece of evidence and must be assessed together with the painting’s technique, materials, condition, provenance, date, and other characteristics. Signatures or inscriptions can also be added or altered after a work was created.

Can an unsigned George Romney painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself disqualify a painting by Romney. Attribution depends on the work as a whole, including its technique, materials, subject, date, provenance, and other evidence.

What documents help authenticate a George Romney 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, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a George Romney painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics of the painting 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 George Romney painting?

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

What if my George Romney 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 George Romney 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 George Romney painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my George Romney 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 George Romney?

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 George Romney?

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 George Romney?

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 George Romney 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 undertake conservation beforehand.

How long does it take to sell a George Romney?

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 George Romney?

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

Can you review a George Romney 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 George Romney?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For a Romney painting, the attribution, period, subject, provenance, and quality of execution can also materially affect value.

How can I avoid buying a fake George Romney?

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 painting.

Can you advise me on building a George Romney collection?

Yes. We advise collectors on the financial aspects of acquisition, ownership, collection management, and eventual sale.

REQUEST A GEORGE ROMNEY 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 George Romney, 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.