Frequently Asked Questions

Our team comprises experts, researchers, forensic specialists, and lab technicians located across major cities worldwide, including Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Washington. This global presence allows us to serve you effectively, no matter where you are.

1. Send us high-resolution photos of the front, back, and signature, along with close-ups of any specific details.
2. Provide the artwork's dimensions.
3. Provide information you have regarding its history, origin, and previous owners, as well as copies of relevant documents.
4. We’ll review the information and give you a quote for our services.
5. After you accept the quote, payment is required to proceed.
6. We carry out the necessary authentication work.
7. You’ll receive a detailed authentication report, and if confirmed authentic, a certificate of authenticity will be included.

Typically, we conduct the examination after completing the research phase. However, if you prefer an early assessment, we’re more than willing to accommodate that.

Given the significant value of De Kooning paintings, we prioritize safety. For liability and insurance reasons, we recommend that you keep the artwork in your possession rather than shipping it to us.

We examine artwork through:

• High-resolution photos
• Live video feed (e.g., Zoom)
• On-site evaluations at any art storage facility globally
• In-person evaluations at your residence, office, bank, or hotel

We conduct all necessary tests for authentication, including material analyses, dating techniques, special photography, and forensic studies. The specific tests required can vary depending on the case.

Typically take a few days. Range from a couple of weeks for straightforward cases to several months for more complex situations.

We do not charge for issuing a COA; if your artwork is authenticated as genuine, the certificate is automatically provided.

We offer many services—such as answering questions, providing advice, and giving estimates of value—at no cost. For additional services, fees start at $300.

We require payment upfront for our services to avoid any potential conflicts of interest that could influence our conclusions, whether regarding authenticity or future sales.

No, we cannot accept payment after the authentication process, as it would create a conflict of interest. Accepting payment at that stage could give us a financial incentive to reach a specific conclusion, which would compromise the integrity of our evaluations.

Major auction houses accept our authentications due to the meticulous nature of our research and reporting. Our findings are comprehensive, thoroughly referenced, and based on verifiable facts, ensuring they can withstand scrutiny from auctioneers, insurance companies, and financial institutions.

We take client privacy seriously. This includes safeguarding the identities of all clients, whether they are public figures or institutions like galleries, auction houses, museums, law firms, and banks. We do not disclose who our clients are or the specifics of the services we provide them.