COULD YOUR DRAWING BE BY THOMAS ROWLANDSON?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Thomas Rowlandson may be rare, every drawing deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar or undocumented.

If you believe your drawing or watercolor may be by Thomas Rowlandson, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Rowlandson is particularly associated with pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings, while his graphic work includes etchings and hand-colored etchings and aquatints.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a drawing, watercolor, or print appears consistent with Rowlandson’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression is not always definitive because attribution can depend on technique, paper, inscriptions, provenance, and the relationship between an original drawing and related graphic works.

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 Thomas Rowlandson today?

Yes. Previously unrecorded Rowlandson drawings and watercolors can emerge from private collections, estates, albums, and inherited material, making careful examination of unfamiliar works worthwhile.

Do I need to get my Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of important details such as inscriptions or markings, the dimensions, and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson drawing is authentic?

No. A signature is only one piece of evidence and must be considered alongside the drawing technique, materials, paper, inscriptions, provenance, and other characteristics of the work. Surviving Rowlandson drawings are documented both with and without signatures or inscriptions.

Can an unsigned Thomas Rowlandson drawing still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself exclude authenticity. Attribution can instead depend on the handling of pen, ink, watercolor and graphite, the paper and its characteristics, subject, inscriptions, provenance, and comparison with securely documented works.

What documents help authenticate a Thomas Rowlandson drawing?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the work 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 Thomas Rowlandson drawing be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely, including the paper, media, technique, inscriptions, and condition. 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 Thomas Rowlandson?

No. Many drawings and watercolors can be assessed through research, provenance investigation, technical examination, and close study of the paper and media. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of materials.

What if my Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson drawing worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Principal factors include the medium and technique, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, rarity, quality, and current market demand; for Rowlandson prints, the particular impression and publication or edition history can also be important.

SELLING

Can you sell my Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson before selling it?

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

How long does it take to sell a Thomas Rowlandson?

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 Thomas Rowlandson?

If you enjoy Rowlandson’s drawings, watercolors, or prints, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Thomas Rowlandson 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 Thomas Rowlandson?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For prints, the particular impression, printing technique, paper, coloring, and edition or publication history may also materially affect value.

How can I avoid buying a fake Thomas Rowlandson?

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 THOMAS ROWLANDSON 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 Thomas Rowlandson, 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.