For instance, I am consulted by a client in Abu Dhabi who wants me to look into a Picasso he found in his attic. Step 1 Initially, I request that the client provide really clear pictures of the front and back of the piece. We will ask for pictures of any labels, notes on the stretcher or frame, or accidents to the artwork. I evaluate these images to see whether or not we are dealing with a "possible" genuine Picasso. We inform the owner and explain that we will not investigate authenticity if there are indications that Picasso could not have created the painting. Step 2: I ask the owner to explain to me how he came to be in possession of the piece of art. We refer to this stage as provenance. I require a thorough, independently verified history of the painting that includes as many specifics as feasible. If the provenance is minimal, I will inform the purchaser that getting an authentication will be difficult but not impossible. If we can agree on my suggestion for further study to locate the painting's remnants in galleries, museums, etc., I'll try my best. At this point, I will request that you provide me close-up pictures of the painting's details, signature, brushstrokes, key details, a close-up of the canvas, etc. The time spent is not billed till this point. Step 3 : If all of these indicators point to the potential for an authentic Picasso painting, I'll say that I need to visit the piece in Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, or anywhere is most convenient for us both. We will now get together to discuss a preliminary analysis of the painting, which will include lodging, airfare, and a fixed charge for our time. Step 4 involves on-site painting analysis. (The process will be made clear in the future chapter.) Step Five : I will suggest to the customer that they begin a research file for authentication if the artwork still appears to be an authentic Picasso, and I will make another proposal to create this research file. The owner will always own possession of the painting. Frequently, the two suggestions listed in steps three and four are included in a single proposal. Step Six : The Picasso Administration in Paris receives the file, which is sent to the only acknowledged worldwide authenticator. Every painter possesses a unique, globally acknowledged authenticator. Certain committees, foundations, or authenticators may ask for payment in order to process the research file. - to do a physical analysis of the painting Certain committees, such as the "Comite Chagall," only meet twice a year to review the materials that are submitted. Because of this, authentication research can take anywhere from three to seven months, or even longer in some cases. It took the Getty museum ten years to get the authenticity of a Raphael picture that belonged to a gentleman from Britain. Ultimately, the UK government's refusal to allow the Raphael painting to be exported to the USA prevented them from purchasing the artwork. Step 7 : A certificate of authenticity or an assurance that the artwork will be added to the artist's upcoming "catalogue raisonne" will be provided by the authenticator, committees, and the foundation. Regarding the fakes and the internet experts (a chapter on this subject will follow), experts nowadays are hesitant to vouch for their authenticity because, should the request be denied, a disgruntled owner may sue them. The only acknowledged authenticator will release a "catalogue raisonne" of the artist's creations in order to prevent that issue. Every piece of art will have a photo in this database, often in black and white, along with information about the piece's origin, dimensions, date and place of creation, and title. Authenticity certificates will consist of: A picture of the painting; - information on the piece of art, such as its dimensions, any annotations, its signature, any labels, and when it was made. - the certificate's date. - the expert's name, his signature, and his entire, precise address. - the expert's official seal of approval. - and typically, though not always, a reference number to the expert's archives. © Fine Art Expertises LLC