To sell an Old Master painting with Freeman’s we request that you submit photographs of the painting – including a photograph showing the front of the painting in full, the back of the painting in full, as well as a photograph(s) of any labels or markings you see on the back of the painting. Tell us where and when you acquired the painting and any other history about the painting you may know. If you have a receipt or documentation, kindly include a photograph for us to see it. Based on these photographs we will provide you with a complimentary auction estimate.

The value of a European painting is contingent on a number of factors, including who the artist is (or who we attribute the painting to in the event it is not signed, which is often the case with 17th and 18th century paintings in particular), condition, rarity, quality, subject matter, and above all, market demand for the painting in question. Many European artists were accomplished painters, however Freeman’s generally only sells paintings by European artists whose works have sold either at Freeman’s or at other established auction houses in the past, as well as paintings by artists whose work is represented by major museums and art galleries. If a talented artist has not had her or his work previously sold at auction or if their work is not located in major institutions Freeman’s will generally not have a good market for it.

Yes, in most instances we can assist with the identification and valuation of even unsigned paintings. As noted above, most paintings from the 17th and 18th century were not signed. (Most of the 19th century paintings sold by Freeman’s are signed, however). Please note that just because a work is hand-painted and has age, that does not mean Freeman’s necessarily has a market for it.

The paintings which sell best at Freeman’s are by famous artists with a proven track record at auction.

Yes, in many instances Freeman’s sells paintings that are from the studio/atelier or school of a famous artist, such as Rembrandt, Rubens, van Dyck, Breughel, Guardi, and Canaletto. While there is always strong demand for paintings that are fully attributable to a well-known artist, important studio/atelier or school paintings executed in the master’s style are also highly valued by collectors.

Provenance is simply the documented ownership history of an artwork. A European painting with excellent provenance is not only invaluable for helping to establish authenticity. It also adds considerably to the price paid at auction.

Generally, no. Decisions concerning whether to restore should be undertaken are only made in consultation with a Freeman’s European painting specialist. Poor quality restoration adversely affects the value of a European painting. What’s more, most astute auction buyers prefer to buy European paintings in ‘as found’ rather than ‘restored’ condition.

Freeman’s has specialists dedicated to the sale at auction of European paintings. Given both our expertise in this category and our proven track record of achieving high prices, selling your inherited European painting with Freeman’s is a great way to ensure that you receive maximum value.

When you sell with Freeman’s auction you enjoy the benefit of our presenting and marketing your European painting to the largest possible audience, both here and abroad. Buyers of European paintings at Freeman’s are located all over the world and include the most famous art galleries, as well as prominent collectors, museums, and institutions. Bidders at Freeman’s bid and compete in person, by telephone, by absentee bidding, or via one of four online platforms . Our extensive national/international reach coupled with multiple bidding options helps to ensure that you realize the best price for your European painting.