COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY CHAIM SOUTINE?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Chaim Soutine 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 or work on paper may be by Chaim Soutine, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Soutine is principally known for oil paintings, particularly portraits, landscapes, and still lifes.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Soutine’s work or whether it clearly does not. His handling of paint, distortion of form, and surface vary considerably according to period and subject, so a first impression may not be definitive.

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 Chaim Soutine today?

Yes. Paintings and works on paper can remain in private collections, estates, inheritances, and family possessions for generations without being widely documented. A previously unknown work should be evaluated on its individual evidence.

Do I need to get my Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the paint surface or paper, signature, inscriptions, labels, stretcher or mounting, and other important details, 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 Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine painting is authentic?

No. A signature can provide useful evidence, but it cannot establish authorship by itself. It must be evaluated together with the paint surface, materials, support, technique, period, provenance, and other characteristics of the painting.

Can an unsigned Chaim Soutine painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a Soutine painting inauthentic. Technique, materials, period, subject, provenance, and other available evidence must be considered together.

What documents help authenticate a Chaim Soutine painting?

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 Chaim Soutine painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study composition, brushwork, paint application, surface, support, signature, inscriptions, labels, and other 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 a Chaim Soutine?

No. Many paintings can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing of pigments, binders, canvas, paper, or other materials is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning their age or composition.

What if my Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Period, subject, dimensions, quality, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand are important valuation factors.

SELLING

Can you sell my Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the painting or work on paper in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell a Chaim Soutine?

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 Chaim Soutine?

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

Can you review a Chaim Soutine 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 Chaim Soutine?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Soutine paintings, period, subject, provenance, support, paint surface, dimensions, and the relationship between the execution and his documented technique are also important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Chaim Soutine?

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 CHAIM SOUTINE 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 Chaim Soutine, 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.