Frequently Asked Questions
Inquiry, procedures and work involved
What type of information do you need from me in order to evaluate my painting’s case?
In order to have a sense of your case we ask that you provide us with as much information as possible, including: good quality digital images of the front and back of your painting, the name of the presumed artist, provenance, and whether or not you have attribution, conservation and scientific work done on it in the past.
How long until I hear back from you?
We generally return calls and emails in a few days or less.
If you are interested in my inquiry what would the next step be?
We will contact you to let you know if we think your painting is a possible candidate for analysis. In order to get a better idea of how to proceed with your case, we will ask you to ship or bring your painting to the laboratory in Montreal.
Why would you decline to work on my painting?
Occasionally, even from a poor quality image we can tell if your painting is worth the investment of your money and our time, or it may not the type of work we specialize in.
What work can be done on my painting?
Our work includes visual inspection and inspection with magnification, stereo microscopy, and polarized light microscopy;
Ultra high resolution imaging with special techniques such as UV fluorescence, UV reflectance, Infrared reflectance, multispectral imaging, illumination techniques, and the subsequent evaluation of the results to assess the state of conservation and conservation history of the artwork;
Examination for the presence of human contact evidence such as DNA and fingerprints, imaging/recording and collecting samples if found;
Producing a report of findings generally within 30-90 days; on occasion longer if complexities and further questions arise.
What is the time frame involved?
Each painting has its own needs and the time frame is determined by the questions asked and developing a project to answer them. A basic work-up on average takes two to three months to complete from date of payment received.
Can you work in my home or on location?
Much of what we do requires instruments that are difficult or unfeasible to transport. However, preliminary examinations are often done on site. We prefer to work in the laboratory only but that is not always possible.
Documentation, Reports and Outcome
What is the time frame involved?
Most projects are resolved in a few months. Some complex ones, however, may take longer and involve other specialists in fields appropriate to the questions raised.
If you want to work on my piece does this guarantee that my painting is authentic?
There is no guarantee: it can happen that the analysis turns up no "smoking gun".
If, as a result of your work you find forensic evidence that suggests my painting could be authentic, do you issue a certificate of authenticity?
No. We do not offer certificates. The scope of our work is analysis, evidence gathering, and documentation. It is one constituent of the authentication process. Authentication is a collaborative effort, involving expertise from other disciplines as well, such as art history and conservation science.
Do you do appraisals?
No. If you need appraisal services please see our Links page to locate appraisers who specialize in fine art.
What sort of report can I expect at the end of the process and when would I receive it?
We can update you verbally or through email as we go along but there will be only one written report. We can provide written interim reports but they will add to the cost and the time frame. We provide and send you a report when we are comfortable that the questions asked can be addressed meaningfully.
What are your affiliations?
None. We have maintained complete independence over the years. There are no dealers, clients, collectors, foundations, boards - not even club memberships behind our work that could potentially create bias. We have always been 100% self-financing to be completely free of any outside influence. We maintain complete disinterestedness in the outcome of our investigations so as to protect the value and integrity of our work.
Confidentiality
What about confidentiality?
Your information is kept confidential as a rule. We do not share information with anyone unless you request it.
What happens to material I send you?
Normally, all documentation and samples sent to us are kept for our records. However, if requested, they are returned to you.
Pricing
How much will it cost?
Our fee is determined case by case and is always discussed in advance. Should additional work be incurred you are always advised in advance. Our work is investigative and diagnostic in nature and it is difficult to predict the outcome of an examination. We take the approach of “seeing how confidence builds” as the work progresses. If the early stages of testing and examinations point in a negative direction you are informed and you have the option to abort the project. Equipment time and test costs are all factors in the cost of analysis.
What does a basic work-up consist of?
The basic work-up on average takes approximately 4 full days. This includes the examination of the painting with visual and instrumental means, sample collection, documenting, imaging and image analyses. Its purpose is to establish important basic parameters such as state of conservation. For more information see the Capabilities page.
What are my payment options?
We accept payments by cheque, money order or wire transfer. All out of town clients are required to pay in advance.
Do you work on a contingency basis?
No. Our work is always independent and must be free of conflict of interest. This is to protect you and us, as well as the credibility and value of our work.
Would you sell my art?
No. Buying, selling or making representations for your property is outside the scope of our work. We involve ourselves in a transaction only to the extent required to describe and explain our work and answer questions about results.
Shipping Information
How do I get my painting to the laboratory?
This is a matter of choice. We have used the major carriers such as FedEx, UPS, etc., for many years with no problems. There are other specialized carriers that typically handle valuable art. They are, of course, more expensive but they will handle crating, brokerage, customs clearance, etc., very professionally. You are also welcome to bring your item in person and visit with us.
Is it safe to ship art?
Most of our clients ship with normal Fed Ex service and never had a problem. You just have to make sure that the painting is packed properly. If you need help with packing issues or if you wanted a more specialized shipping service we suggest you contact one of the following providers:
International, USA and Canada
Fed-Ex Custom Critical white glove service specialises in the transportation of fine art:
http://www.fedex.com/us/services/customcritical/markets_industries/art.html
In the USA
Art Pack is a company based in California; they can help with crating, shipping and storage: http://artpackco.com
Lockson is based in New Jersey and also specializes in fine art shipping and crating:
In Canada
PacArt is a company based in Quebec and Ontario and services many museums and collectors across the country:
http://www.pacart.ca/home.shtml
Security
How secure is my artwork on your premises?
We are protected by alarm systems with motion detectors, security doors, pick-proof locks, surveillance cameras, and of course constant vigilance. We do our best.