COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY GEORGES DE LA TOUR?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic paintings by Georges de La Tour are rare, every work deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar or undocumented. The surviving body of paintings securely attributed to La Tour is exceptionally small, making careful attribution particularly important.

If you believe your painting may be by Georges de La Tour, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Georges de La Tour 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 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 Georges de La Tour?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Georges de La Tour’s work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression is not definitive because his known paintings are few, many are unsigned, and attribution has historically involved substantial reassessment.

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 Georges de La Tour today?

Yes. The identification history of La Tour demonstrates that previously unrecognized paintings can emerge: works have been rediscovered after periods of misattribution or obscurity, including paintings that were not initially recognized as his.

Do I need to get my Georges de La Tour authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your painting 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 Georges de La Tour authenticated?

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

How long does it take to authenticate a Georges de La Tour?

It depends on how much is already known about the painting 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 Georges de La Tour?

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 Georges de La Tour painting is authentic?

No. A signature must be evaluated alongside the painting’s materials, technique, condition, provenance, dating, and correspondence with securely attributed works; La Tour’s signed paintings are themselves important comparative evidence because relatively few surviving works are signed.

Can an unsigned Georges de La Tour painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself disqualify a painting, and some important works associated with La Tour were identified through comparison and research despite being unsigned.

What documents help authenticate a Georges de La Tour painting?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the painting 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 Georges de La Tour painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely, including the surface, paint application, support, signature, and condition. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination.

Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of a Georges de La Tour painting?

No. Many paintings can be investigated through provenance research, comparative analysis, technical examination, and art-historical research. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of materials.

What if my Georges de La Tour painting 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 Georges de La Tour paintings?

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 Georges de La Tour painting worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Georges de La Tour 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 Georges de La Tour?

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 Georges de La Tour?

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 Georges de La Tour?

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 Georges de La Tour 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 conserve or restore it beforehand.

How long does it take to sell a Georges de La Tour?

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 Georges de La Tour?

If you enjoy Georges de La Tour’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities without making unsupported predictions about future appreciation.

Can you review a Georges de La Tour 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 Georges de La Tour?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For a painter with a very small surviving body of securely attributed works, careful attribution and comparison are particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Georges de La Tour?

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 collection?

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

REQUEST A GEORGES DE LA TOUR 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 painting attributed to Georges de La Tour, our specialists are available to assist.

Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your painting with one of our experts.