COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY TOM WESSELMANN?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Tom Wesselmann 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, collage, drawing, print, or sculpture may be by Tom Wesselmann, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step. Wesselmann worked as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker and also created collages, assemblages, shaped works, and cut-metal compositions.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Tom Wesselmann 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 Tom Wesselmann?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Tom Wesselmann’s work or whether it clearly does not. His practice ranged from painted and collaged works incorporating manufactured objects to shaped canvases and laser-cut metal, so the appropriate characteristics depend heavily on the date and medium.

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 Tom Wesselmann today?

Yes. Wesselmann worked continuously for more than four decades and produced paintings, collages, drawings, prints, sculptures, shaped works, and metal compositions, so material can remain outside public view in private collections. Any unfamiliar work should be evaluated through its physical characteristics, documentation, and provenance.

Do I need to get my Tom Wesselmann 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 Tom Wesselmann authenticated?

Not for you. Send us clear photographs of the front and reverse, edges or support, signatures and inscriptions, labels, dimensions, and relevant construction details. For three-dimensional or metal works, photographs from several angles are particularly useful.

How long does it take to authenticate a Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann painting or sculpture is authentic?

No. Documented Wesselmann works may be signed, titled, and dated on the reverse, while editioned works can also carry signatures, dates, numbers, and production markings. These markings must be examined together with the materials, construction, dimensions, provenance, and overall characteristics of the work.

Can an unsigned Tom Wesselmann painting or drawing still be authentic?

Potentially. The absence of a visible signature should not be considered in isolation; the work’s materials, technique, construction, date, provenance, and relationship to securely documented Wesselmann works must be evaluated together.

What documents help authenticate a Tom Wesselmann work?

Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the work may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, exhibition records, conservation reports, gallery records, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.

Can a Tom Wesselmann work be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to examine paint application, collage elements, support, construction, metalwork, inscriptions, signatures, labels, and condition 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 Tom Wesselmann?

No. Many works can be assessed through research, provenance investigation, comparative analysis, and technical examination. When necessary, testing may examine paints, paper, adhesives, plastics, metal, or other materials relevant to the specific work; documented Wesselmann constructions can combine oil, enamel, acrylic, printed collage, plastics, and manufactured metal elements.

What if my Tom Wesselmann has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance does not automatically rule out further investigation. When provenance is limited, authentication relies more heavily on technical examination, comparative research, photography, physical characteristics, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Tom Wesselmann 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 Tom Wesselmann artwork worth?

We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include date, series, medium, dimensions, subject, condition, provenance, rarity, and current market demand; edition information is also important for prints and multiples.

SELLING

Can you sell my Tom Wesselmann 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 Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann before selling it?

Usually not. Wesselmann used varied materials including conventional paints, collage elements, plastics, shaped supports, and painted metal, so inappropriate cleaning or restoration can affect original surfaces and construction. We generally recommend selling the work in its present condition unless there is a compelling conservation reason to intervene.

How long does it take to sell a Tom Wesselmann?

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 Tom Wesselmann?

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

Can you review a Tom Wesselmann 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 Tom Wesselmann?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? The date, series, medium, support, provenance, inscriptions, and construction should also be examined; for prints and multiples, edition, numbering, printer, publisher, and production information can be important.

How can I avoid buying a fake Tom Wesselmann?

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, unauthorized, 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 TOM WESSELMANN 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 Tom Wesselmann, 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.