where can i sell an old painting

vasiliz · March 18th, 2011, 03:39 AM

hi everyone, we have in our family an old oil painting unsigned.

we believe its Dutch school

the painting was made in different periods, it was finished in 1733 , but we believe it was first painted between 1600- 1700 (the people you see on the painting were made later) is it possible to be signed beneath?

where could we evaluate it, and find out when and by whom it was made ?

dimension 170cm x 120cm

it is in very good condition, i will attach preview

rs49 · March 18th, 2011, 02:41 PM

Hello Vasiliz, Are you sure it is not a print ? It can be the photos but it seems "flat" to me. It can also be an oilprint. What about the backside of the painting ? I hope you are right and it is an original from 17th century.
The best thing to do is contacting a renowned auction house in your country. Send them lots of pictures and all the decription you have. When interesting the auction house will send somebody to examine your painting free. I think this is also the best guarantee for a good price.
If possible take some photos of the back and post them here.
Good luck, Raf.

vasiliz · March 18th, 2011, 04:45 PM

hi rs47, thanks for the reply
the painting was bought by my parents 30 years ago from ussr from an old lady,

you think it worths a try to call an auction house?

John · March 18th, 2011, 06:25 PM

With a painting that you believe to be that old, I would certainly recommend showing it to an expert, in person. Maybe a gallery with knowledge of paintings from this era, maybe an art auction house in your area, maybe a professional appraiser.

vasiliz · March 19th, 2011, 03:59 AM

the problem is that we live in greece, i dont know any auction house nearby,
you have any sugestions for auction houses that would interesting to come and exanine it?

rs49 · March 19th, 2011, 12:53 PM

Hi Vasiliz,
There must be good and renowned auction hoiuses and experts in Athens I think.
You can start by sending them an e-mail with good photos of the painting ; front view, backside and lots of detailed photos.
Let us know what they answer.
Regards,
Raf.

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March 18th, 2011, 02:41 PM	#2
rs49 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 7	Hello Vasiliz, Are you sure it is not a print ? It can be the photos but it seems "flat" to me. It can also be an oilprint. What about the backside of the painting ? I hope you are right and it is an original from 17th century. The best thing to do is contacting a renowned auction house in your country. Send them lots of pictures and all the decription you have. When interesting the auction house will send somebody to examine your painting free. I think this is also the best guarantee for a good price. If possible take some photos of the back and post them here. Good luck, Raf.

March 18th, 2011, 04:45 PM	#3
vasiliz Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 5	hi rs47, thanks for the reply the painting was bought by my parents 30 years ago from ussr from an old lady, you think it worths a try to call an auction house?

March 18th, 2011, 06:25 PM	#4
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,404	With a painting that you believe to be that old, I would certainly recommend showing it to an expert, in person. Maybe a gallery with knowledge of paintings from this era, maybe an art auction house in your area, maybe a professional appraiser.

March 19th, 2011, 03:59 AM	#5
vasiliz Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 5	the problem is that we live in greece, i dont know any auction house nearby, you have any sugestions for auction houses that would interesting to come and exanine it?

March 19th, 2011, 12:53 PM	#6
rs49 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 7	Hi Vasiliz, There must be good and renowned auction hoiuses and experts in Athens I think. You can start by sending them an e-mail with good photos of the painting ; front view, backside and lots of detailed photos. Let us know what they answer. Regards, Raf.