Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 11/23/2006

Question
I have an original oil of flowers in a vase. Back label:  Document of Authenticity. The Todd Gallery thanks you for allowing us the opportunity of providing you with a fine work of art.  We further guarantee this work to be an original oil done by the artist, DESMOND. We hope in the future that we may continue providing you with fine original works of art.  Signed by Jay Goldberg, Authorized Signature. The Fashion Center, Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, New Jersey.  Can't seem to find any history on it.  Thank you for any info you can provide.

Answer
Hello Charmaine - I apologise for the delay in answering your question.  Without seeing an image, it is almost impossible to tell you any of the 'history' of the piece.  Is there a date?  I have never heard of an artist who goes by the name 'Desmond' (any surname?) - so I would suggest that if the New Jersey mall gallery (and I have never heard of the Todd Gallery, either) is authenticating this work, it is by a local/regional artist rather than a world-famous artist.  If you were hoping to have a painting worth a fortune, much depends on the demand for 'Desmond's work .. and how it fits into the genre of still life painting.  I recommend (if you are geographically able) that you contact the Gallery and ask for the provenance of this artwork.  (The 'Document of Authenticity' doesn't really add much that is useful in your quest.)  Quite often paintings sold in a mall are not valuable and collected because they have sentimental or personal value -- i.e. you like the painting, it fits in with your decor, or someone gave it to you!  I'm sorry I can't be more helpful to you.