AboutDolly D Headley Expertise I can assist with identification, acquisition, and care of fine art prints and original paintings. Some of my artist specialties include Henri Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, Chagall, and Salvador Dali. I can also assist with Rembrandt etchings and provide information on getting professional appraisals and authentication.
Experience My experience includes 8 years as a senior fine art consultant; including representing one of the largest gallery groups and publishers in the U.S. My lifetime passion of art includes thousands of research hours and an extensive personal art research library. I am currently providing art consultation and sales through my personal gallery and consulting business. I participate in this forum to promote the appreciation, collection, and proper care of fine art.
Can you also tell me what an average appraisal would run me on a Chagall painting (or to have it appraised to see if it one is authentic (not the one above) with a certificate of authenticity? Thanks again.
I looked at the print as you requested. The H.C. stands for Hors Commerce; which means it was probably the publisher's copy. I am not familiar with the image. Chagall did many with lovers and bouquets. I checked the catalog on his lithographs, but I could not find it. I probably just missed it. I cannot tell you if it is original without seeing it in person. I would contact the seller and ask more questions. What is the name and qualifications of the person and the name of the gallery that authenticated it? Could you talk to the gallery directly? Does it have paperwork? The signature looks right, but Chagall is one of the top artists for forgeries.
The cost of authenticating a Chagall painting would be based on how much provenance and documentation the painting has. It is difficult to estimate without detais, but I would say a minimum $1500-2500. I would contact the major auction houses such as Sothebys and Christies and ask their Modern Masters specialist who they would accept as a professional authentication. If the painting can be found in former auction catalogs and/or the ownership can be verified; the cost will be worth the effort. Original Chagall paintings are in the high six figure to 7 figure price range.
