COULD YOUR PAINTING BE BY FRANCISCO DE ZURBARÁN?

Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Francisco de Zurbarán 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 may be by Francisco de Zurbarán, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.

We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Francisco de Zurbarán 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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a painting appears consistent with Francisco de Zurbarán’s work or whether it clearly does not. Attribution can require particular care because Zurbarán maintained a productive workshop, and works associated with his workshop as well as autograph paintings survive.

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 Francisco de Zurbarán today?

Yes. Paintings can remain in private collections and estates without complete modern documentation, and previously unknown Zurbarán paintings have entered scholarly literature from the art market and private ownership.

Do I need to get my Francisco de Zurbarán 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 Francisco de Zurbarán authenticated?

Not for you. Simply send us photographs of the front and reverse, close-up photographs of the painted surface, signature or inscriptions, canvas and stretcher, dimensions, and any labels or markings, together with anything you know about the painting’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.

How long does it take to authenticate a Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán painting is authentic?

No. A signature or inscription must be considered together with the painting’s technique, materials, canvas, ground, paint structure, provenance, and other evidence. Authentication cannot responsibly rest on a signature alone.

Can an unsigned Francisco de Zurbarán painting still be authentic?

Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself make a painting inauthentic. Attribution must be based on the painting itself and the combined technical, historical, and documentary evidence.

What documents help authenticate a Francisco de Zurbarán painting?

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

Can a Francisco de Zurbarán painting be authenticated from photographs?

Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study paint application, surface, support, inscriptions, labels, condition, and other important 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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

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

What if my Francisco de Zurbarán has no provenance?

Incomplete provenance is common, particularly with paintings of this age. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, comparison with securely attributed paintings, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.

Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Francisco de Zurbarán 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 Francisco de Zurbarán painting worth?

We will appraise your painting and determine its value. Attribution, date, subject, dimensions, condition, provenance, quality, and rarity are among the principal factors affecting the value of a Francisco de Zurbarán painting.

SELLING

Can you sell my Francisco de Zurbarán 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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán 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 do otherwise.

How long does it take to sell a Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

If you enjoy Francisco de Zurbarán’s paintings, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.

Can you review a Francisco de Zurbarán 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 Francisco de Zurbarán?

Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? Attribution requires particular attention because paintings by Zurbarán, his workshop, and related hands must be distinguished carefully.

How can I avoid buying a fake Francisco de Zurbarán?

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 FRANCISCO DE ZURBARÁN 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 Francisco de Zurbarán, 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.