COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY RUFINO TAMAYO?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Rufino Tamayo 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, print, or sculpture may be by Rufino Tamayo, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Tamayo worked extensively as a painter and printmaker, and his graphic production includes numerous lithographs and other editioned works.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Tamayo’s work or whether it clearly does not. His production extends across many decades and includes paintings, works on paper, prints, and other media, so technique, period, and materials must be considered together.

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 Rufino Tamayo today?

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

Do I need to get my Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo authenticated?

Not for you. For paintings and works on paper, send photographs of the front and reverse, close-ups of the surface, signature, inscriptions, labels, and other important details. For sculptures or three-dimensional works, include photographs from several angles and of all relevant marks and construction details. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo painting is authentic?

No. A signature cannot establish authorship by itself. It must be evaluated together with the painting’s materials, support, technique, surface, period, provenance, and other available evidence.

Can an unsigned Rufino Tamayo painting still be authentic?

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

What documents help authenticate a Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo?

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

What if my Rufino Tamayo 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.

Are Rufino Tamayo prints editioned works?

Many are. Documented Tamayo lithographs can carry specific edition sizes, printer and publisher information, making the edition, impression, paper, signature, numbering, and publication history important authentication considerations. MoMA records, for example, document Tamayo lithographs from 1964 in editions of 20 and other edition sizes.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo work worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Period, medium, subject, dimensions, quality, condition, provenance, rarity, edition where applicable, and current market demand are important valuation factors. Paintings, unique works on paper, sculptures, and editioned prints should be evaluated within their respective market categories.

SELLING

Can you sell my Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo 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 a Rufino Tamayo?

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 Rufino Tamayo?

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

Can you review a Rufino Tamayo 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 Rufino Tamayo?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For paintings, the date, medium, support, provenance, surface, signature, and inscriptions should also be examined; for prints, the technique, paper, impression, edition, numbering, printer, and publisher are especially important. Documented Tamayo lithographs include works printed and published by Tamarind Lithography Workshop in Los Angeles.

How can I avoid buying a fake Rufino Tamayo?

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, misattributed, or incorrectly described 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 RUFINO TAMAYO 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 Rufino Tamayo, 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.