A wrong attribution can cost millions. It can void a sale, trigger legal disputes, and damage a gallery's reputation permanently. Attribution is not guesswork. It requires systematic research, deep knowledge of artists' techniques, and access to the right sources.
I do attribution and provenance work for galleries, auction houses, and private collectors. Every case starts with the object itself and follows the evidence wherever it leads. The result is a documented conclusion you can stand behind.
What You Get
- Attribution research for paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts
- Provenance documentation tracing ownership history
- Expert reports for authentication and due diligence
- Condition and authenticity assessments
- Research support for auction lot descriptions
- Consultation on disputed or uncertain attributions
I spent seven years doing attribution work for an auction house, examining thousands of works across periods and styles. I know where to look, what to cross-reference, and how to write a report that holds up under scrutiny.
How It Works
Send me images and background
High-resolution photos of the work (front, back, details, signatures, labels). Any documentation you have: receipts, certificates, previous appraisals.
I assess the scope
Within 48 hours, I tell you what research is needed, how long it will take, and what it costs. No surprises.
You receive a documented report
A structured report with findings, sources, and a clear attribution recommendation. Ready for internal use, legal proceedings, or sale documentation.
What Clients Say
Thank you for the promptness and the excellent article in the catalog.
Mykhailo Vasylenko
Director of the auction house Goldens
Kyiv, Ukraine
The curatorial text is brilliantly written by an intellectually gifted person who truly knows the subject.
Sergei Sviatchenko
Artist
Viborg, Denmark
Related Articles
What Is Artwork Attribution: Why It Matters
Read article →Auction House Catalog Writing
Read article →Pricing
| Deliverable | Starting price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Attribution research (single work) | €800 | 2-4 weeks |
| Provenance documentation | Quoted per project | 2-4 weeks |
| Collection review | Quoted per project | Varies |
I send a detailed proposal within 48 hours of your first email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does attribution research involve?
I examine the work itself, research the artist's catalog, compare technique and materials, and trace the ownership history. The goal is to establish who created the work with as much certainty as the evidence allows.
How long does it take?
Most attribution projects take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity and the availability of historical records. Some cases require more time if archival research is involved.
What types of art do you work with?
I have worked with classical painting, modern and contemporary art, decorative arts, and antiques. My experience at an auction house covered a wide range of periods and styles.
How much does it cost?
Attribution research starts from €800. The price depends on the scope: a single work is different from a full collection review. I send a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
