COULD YOUR ARTWORK BE BY ALEXANDER CALDER?
Previously unknown works by important artists continue to emerge from private collections, estates, inheritances, and long-held family possessions. While authentic works by Alexander Calder may be rare, every work deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar or undocumented.
If you believe your sculpture, mobile, work on paper, or other work may be by Alexander Calder, obtaining an independent professional opinion is the appropriate first step.
We have specialized in the authentication of works attributed to Alexander Calder since 2002. We issue Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals, valuations, provenance reports, and provide buying, selling, brokerage, and investment advisory services for collectors, attorneys, insurers, financial institutions, estates, museums, and private clients worldwide.
Getting started is straightforward. Simply send us photographs of the work together with its dimensions and any information you have regarding its history or ownership. After reviewing the material, we will recommend the most appropriate course of action.
AUTHENTICATION
Is this an Alexander Calder?
From a single photograph of ordinary quality, we can often determine whether a work appears consistent with Alexander Calder’s work or whether it clearly does not. Calder produced hanging and standing mobiles, stabiles, wire constructions, monumental sculpture, and works on paper using varied materials and techniques, so a first impression may not always be definitive.
What services do you provide?
We provide authentication, certification, Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), Authentication Reports, appraisals and valuations, provenance research, private sales and brokerage, investment advice, and analytical art market research.
Is it possible to discover a previously unknown Alexander Calder today?
Yes. Calder created a large and varied body of work over several decades, and previously undocumented sculptures and works on paper can still emerge from private collections, estates, and family possessions. Extensive archival records document more than 22,000 works attributed to his production.
Do I need to get my Alexander Calder authenticated?
Yes. Authentication is essential if you wish to sell your work for its full market value. It is also important for insurance, estate planning, charitable donations, financing, and many legal purposes.
Is it complicated to get an Alexander Calder authenticated?
Not for you. For sculpture, send photographs from several angles together with close-ups of signatures, inscriptions, construction details, bases, surfaces, and any fabrication or edition markings. Include the dimensions and anything you know about the work’s history. The investigation itself is our responsibility.
How long does it take to authenticate an Alexander Calder?
It depends on how much is already known about the work when we begin the investigation. In the simplest cases, authenticity can be confirmed within a couple of weeks. More complex cases may require several months.
How much does it cost to authenticate an Alexander Calder?
From the low hundreds to the high thousands. It depends on how much is already known and documented, where relevant archives are located, and whether travel or scientific testing is required.
Can a signature alone prove that an Alexander Calder sculpture is authentic?
No. A signature, inscription, or marking must be evaluated together with the sculpture’s materials, construction, dimensions, surface, provenance, fabrication history, and relationship to securely documented Calder works.
Can an unsigned Alexander Calder sculpture still be authentic?
Yes. The absence of a signature does not by itself determine authorship. An unsigned sculpture can still be investigated through its materials, construction, dimensions, provenance, technical characteristics, and comparison with documented Calder works.
What documents help authenticate an Alexander Calder sculpture?
Any document that mentions, describes, illustrates, or refers to the work may assist the authentication. Photographs, invoices, correspondence, exhibition records, restoration or conservation reports, insurance documents, auction records, and family papers can all contribute valuable evidence.
Can an Alexander Calder sculpture be authenticated from photographs?
Yes. High-quality photography is an extremely useful authentication tool and allows us to study construction, materials, surface, proportions, signatures, inscriptions, bases, and other characteristics remotely. When additional evidence is required, we may recommend an in-person examination. We examine works worldwide.
Is it always necessary to perform scientific analyses of an Alexander Calder?
No. Many sculptures and works on paper can be authenticated through research, provenance investigation, analysis, and technical examination. Scientific testing is generally reserved for more difficult cases when questions remain concerning the age or composition of metal, paint, wire, wood, paper, pigments, or other materials.
What if my Alexander Calder has no provenance?
Incomplete provenance is common. When provenance is incomplete, authentication relies more heavily on research, technical examination, photography, and, where appropriate, scientific testing.
Do you issue Certificates of Authenticity for Alexander Calder works?
Yes. Upon completion of the authentication, we issue a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) together with a detailed and fully referenced Authentication Report.
APPRAISALS & VALUATIONS
How much is my Alexander Calder sculpture worth?
We will appraise your work and determine its value. Important factors include the type of sculpture, date, dimensions, materials, condition, provenance, rarity, scale, quality, and, where applicable, edition or fabrication information.
SELLING
Can you sell my Alexander Calder for me?
Yes. We specialize in private sales but use every appropriate selling method to obtain the highest possible net price. We manage the process professionally, confidentially, and on your behalf.
Do I need an appraisal before selling my Alexander Calder?
Yes. Your work should be priced correctly for the country, market, and method of sale. An independent appraisal helps prevent both underpricing and overpricing.
Do I need authentication before selling my Alexander Calder?
Yes. Without authentication, your work may sell for only a fraction of its potential market value.
Can you help me maximize the selling price of my Alexander Calder?
Yes. Authentication, provenance, valuation, timing, presentation, and the chosen sales method can all influence the final result. We also provide collection management advice designed to maximize value.
Should I restore my Alexander Calder before selling it?
Usually not. The surface, paint, patina, construction, and moving elements of a Calder sculpture can be important to its integrity, and inappropriate intervention may affect both appearance and value. We generally recommend selling the work in its present condition unless there is a compelling reason to undertake conservation.
How long does it take to sell an Alexander Calder?
Higher-value works generally require more time to sell because there are fewer qualified buyers. Correct pricing, strong documentation, and the appropriate sales method all contribute to a successful sale.
BUYING & ADVISORY
Should I buy an Alexander Calder?
If you enjoy Calder’s work, certainly. If your primary objective is investment, we can evaluate the proposed acquisition and alternative opportunities.
Can you review an Alexander Calder before I buy it?
Yes. We provide independent pre-purchase research and analysis for collectors and investors. We also prepare predictive art market forecasts and Buy-Hold-Sell recommendations.
What should I check before buying an Alexander Calder?
Three fundamental questions should always be answered: Is it authentic? What is its condition? Is the price reasonable? For Calder sculpture, materials, dimensions, construction, provenance, inscriptions, fabrication history, and edition information where applicable are also important.
How can I avoid buying a fake Alexander Calder?
Call us before you buy. An independent review before completing the purchase is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of acquiring a forged or misattributed work.
Can you advise me on building a collection?
Yes. We advise collectors on the financial aspects of acquisition, ownership, collection management, and eventual sale.
REQUEST AN ALEXANDER CALDER AUTHENTICATION OR APPRAISAL
Whether you require authentication, a Certificate of Authenticity, an appraisal, valuation, provenance research, buying advice, selling assistance, brokerage, or investment guidance regarding a work attributed to Alexander Calder, our specialists are available to assist.
Complete the contact form below or call us at +1 (212) 658-0466 to discuss your work with one of our experts.
