Verify the value.
Know how much your work of art is really worth with an authentication report from ArtExpress experienced art research team.
How does it work and how much does it cost?
Because no two works of art are the same, the authentication process and its associated fees vary. We don’t have fixed prices, which allows us to be flexible and find a solution that works for your budget.
To get a personalized quote, please submit at least one high-resolution image of your artwork, along with some information about its known provenance and how it was acquired.
GET STARTED
Within 48 hours or less, you’ll receive information and a proposal from one of our authentication research specialists. This proposal may include a combination of the following techniques, commonly used for art authentication:
Comparative Analysis
A side-by-side comparison of your work of art to others that have been positively attributed to the artist in question. We form a professional option based on careful consideration of many factors related to the artist’s documented technique and stylistic preferences.
Provenance Research
The important task of tracing your work of art all the way back to the artist who created it. We search the world’s top libraries and archives to fill in the missing pieces of your artwork’s history with records of sale and exhibition, legal documents and old photographs.
Scientific Analysis
The use of special technology to look beneath the surface of a work of art and study the materials that were used to create it. We look for attribution clues with the aid of advanced imaging, and can accurately date a work of art by testing pigment and other material samples.
What is the difference between an appraisal and authentication?
An appraisal is the estimate of an item’s value. Authentication is an in-depth investigative research process used to determine whether an artwork’s attribution (who made it) is accurate.
Can I have a work of art appraised online by ArtExpress without purchasing an authentication product?
Absolutely! In fact, we recommend that you start with a conditional valuation, so you know how much your work of art could be worth before investing time and money into the authentication process. Our specialists can determine the fair market value of your artwork (on condition of authenticity) within 48 hours for just $25.
Does ArtExpress need to see the artwork in person to authenticate it?
For the first two steps, comparative analysis and provenance research, we can work from photographs and the information that you provide through our email. For the third and final step scientific analysis, an in-person physical inspection of the artwork is necessary.
Which artists does ArtExpress authenticate?
ArtExpress can authenticate any work of art from the secondary market. We examine paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and some works of decorative art. We have experience with hundreds of artists, from household names to the more obscure, across nearly every genre and from all over Africa. If the artist you are looking for does not appear in our online artists section, please send an inquiry by email to info@artexpress.co.ke
Do major auction houses and galleries accept ArtExpress opinion of authenticity?
Though we cannot guarantee that a consignment decision would be made based on our report, we do work very closely with a number of leading gallery and auction house partners. Because our conclusion is backed by extensive findings, our positive opinion would increase confidence in the authenticity of your artwork, and the probability of successful consignment and sale.
Can ArtExpress help me sell my work of art?
If our opinion of authenticity is positive, we are happy to put you in contact with our auction house and gallery partners. We also facilitate private sales.
Will ArtExpress research the authenticity of my artwork on commission?
No. To maintain our integrity as a research organization, we do not offer our services in exchange for a commission or percentage of sale, as this would create a conflict of interest. Our fees are determined on an individual basis and must be paid in full before research can begin.
Does ArtExpress offer a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
If our team of specialists is confident in the authenticity of your artwork, we will issue a one-page document, or “certificate,” as evidence of our professional opinion. This document we offer is a warranty or guarantee of authenticity and is issued at our sole discretion, based on our research results.
Can ArtExpress tell me who created my artwork?
If your work of art is not signed, or if you are not sure who created it, we may be able to provide an attribution. Please send at least one high-resolution image of your artwork, along with some information about its known provenance and how it was acquired, to info@artexpress.co.ke .We will review your submission, then present research options and pricing if an attribution is possible.
