How do auction houses authenticate artwork?
Before an artwork is put up for auction, it is typically reviewed by specialists as part of an authentication process — this helps establish the likely authenticity and attribution of an artwork.
If you are looking to auction an item at Christie’s, you can request a complimentary estimate from Christie’s specialists. If your item is chosen for sale, the authentication process that follows could include a mixture of scientific analysis, examination by experts and research into the previous ownership of the artwork.
Below are some of the key steps that may be involved in authenticating art:
Research the provenance of the work
Art authentication often begins with looking at the history of ownership of the artwork. This can be shown through documents such as exhibition and auction catalogues, and receipts of previous sales. Christie’s has the largest auction archive in the world to aid with research, with catalogues dating back to our very first sale in 1766.
If you are putting a painting up for auction, strong documentation that establishes the chain of ownership can help support this process of authentication.
Visual examination by experts
At Christie’s, our auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories and there are in-house specialists who consult on particular artists, periods or movements.
Through a visual examination, the expert assesses whether the style and technique are consistent with the relevant artist and will look for areas such as an artist’s signature.
A Catalogue Raisonné may be available for the artist, which lists all their known works in a particular medium — this can be consulted by the expert as part of the authentication process.
Technical analysis
Scientific techniques can be used to check the physical and chemical makeup of an artwork to assess whether it is consistent with an artist's known materials and techniques. This may involve using infrared reflectography and X-rays to look at any underdrawings or alterations to a painting, or using the technique of tree ring dating to help determine the age of the wood panels in a work.
In summary
An authentication assessment considers provenance, visual inspection, scientific analysis and expert opinion. This authentication process also helps with valuing an artwork, before it is catalogued and proceeds to auction. It’s important to note that attributions are matters of expert opinion, and may evolve as further research or scholarship emerges. Not all statements in a catalogue description are subject to the same level of certainty.
If you’re looking to sell an item, Christie’s specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. Get started today by requesting a complimentary auction estimate.