COULD YOUR ICON BE BY SIMON USHAKOV?

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

If you believe your icon may be by Simon Ushakov, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Simon Ushakov 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 icon, including several views and close-ups of important details, 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 Simon Ushakov?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether an icon appears consistent with Simon Ushakov’s known work or whether it clearly does not. A first impression may not be definitive because attribution can require comparison of iconographic treatment, painting technique, inscriptions, materials, and historical context.

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 Simon Ushakov today?

Yes. Works attributed to Ushakov can remain in private collections or emerge from estates and inherited collections, and an unfamiliar or previously undocumented icon should be evaluated rather than dismissed automatically. Ushakov produced icons as well as secular portraits and engravings, making careful attribution particularly important.

Do I need to get my Simon Ushakov authenticated?

Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your icon 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 Simon Ushakov authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs from several angles, close-ups of inscriptions, marks, the painted surface and reverse where accessible, the dimensions, and anything you know about the icon’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Simon Ushakov?

It depends on how much is already known about the icon when we begin the investigation. In the simplest cases, authenticity can be assessed within a couple of weeks; more complex cases may require several months.

How much does it cost to authenticate a Simon Ushakov?

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

Can a signature alone prove that a Simon Ushakov icon is authentic?

No. An inscription or signature can be important evidence, but authentication must consider the entire object, including its materials, technique, iconography, inscriptions, condition, provenance, and consistency with Ushakov’s known work.

Can an unsigned Simon Ushakov icon still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a visible signature or attribution does not by itself establish that an icon is inauthentic. Attribution must be based on the totality of the available evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Simon Ushakov icon?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the icon 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 Simon Ushakov icon be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study important characteristics remotely, including the painted surface, inscriptions, construction, reverse, and other details. 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 Simon Ushakov icon?

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

What if my Simon Ushakov icon has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparative analysis, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Simon Ushakov 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 Simon Ushakov icon worth?

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

SELLING

Can you sell my Simon Ushakov 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 Simon Ushakov?

Yes. Your icon 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 Simon Ushakov?

Yes. Without authentication, your icon may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.

Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Simon Ushakov?

Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, timing, presentation, condition, 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 Simon Ushakov before selling it?

Usually not. Buyers often have their own preferences regarding conservation and restoration. We generally recommend selling the icon in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to undertake conservation beforehand.

How long does it take to sell a Simon Ushakov?

Higher-value icons 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 Simon Ushakov?

If you value Ushakov’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition, its attribution, condition, documentation, valuation, and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Simon Ushakov 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 Simon Ushakov?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For an icon attributed to Ushakov, the quality and consistency of the painting, inscriptions, materials, provenance, and attribution are particularly important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Simon Ushakov?

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 icon.

Can you advise me on building a Simon Ushakov collection?

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

REQUEST A SIMON USHAKOV 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 Simon Ushakov, 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.