It’s not every day you discover a masterpiece in your attic, but it does happen. This fall a previously unknown Van Gogh was added to his credit. “Sunset at Montmajour” was stored in an attic and then held in a private collection in Norway and dismissed by historians as a fake. But now it has been established, through detailed research, that indeed it is authentic.
So, what would you do if you found a painting in your attic? This is one of the most frequently asked questions at the Art Information Center at Harold Washington Library Center. Here you can find many resources that you could use before turning to a costly appraiser. (Other questions? Give us a call at (312) 747-4800.)
Providing you can decipher the artist’s signature, a good place to begin is a source that lists artist names, such as Davenport's Art Reference & Price Guide, which is published annually.
You can also check Blouin’s Art Sales Index.
If the artist is from Chicago, check the Chicago Artists’ Archive to find out if CPL has information about their work.
So, happy rummaging!
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