Authenticity & Certificates

The saying “An artwork is only as valuable as its ability to be authenticated” rings true. Whether you’ve paid a hefty sum or its value has soared, without authentication, its worth remains uncertain. Authentication is crucial for various reasons, such as insurance, taxes, transfers, donations, sales, and legal protection. It protects against legal disputes and the circulation of counterfeit or misrepresented works. By proving authenticity, you preserve the integrity of the artwork and its provenance, ensuring its actual value is recognized and protected.

 Simply the Best magazine nailed it when they said, imagine snagging a “Picasso” or a “Warhol” back when prices were still down-to-earth compared to the mind-boggling millions they go for today. Michael’s charitable initiative not only lets you “steal” his jaw-dropping art but also do some good while you’re at it. Think of investing in “a Michael Israel” now as getting in early on the next Picasso or Warhol. Just like those legendary artists, there comes a time when their art skyrockets from modestly priced to worth princely sums.

If you witnessed Michael creating your artwork, you’re confident it’s the real deal. But once the artwork leaves the artist’s hands, not even the artist can guarantee its authenticity without verification. To prove authenticity to potential buyers, insurance companies, or tax authorities who didn’t witness its creation, you might need certified documents like:

– A Certificate of Authenticity

– A description or photos of Authentication Markers

– Photos of the Artwork and Artist together
– Letter of Provenance (showing the chain of ownership)
– Letter of Value considerations
– Bill of Sale or Transfer form
– Press Clippings
– Videos
– Other Related Documents

These additional pieces of evidence help establish the artwork’s authenticity and give others confidence in its value.

Anyone can print a piece of paper, like a deed or a certificate. If it’s not recorded and backed by a credible authority, it might not be worth the paper it’s printed on.

If your artwork is in our Registry, we can offer a Certified Authenticity Package with some or all of the following:

– A Certificate of Authenticity

– A description or photos of Authentication Markers

– Photos of the Artwork and Artist together
– Letter of Provenance (showing the chain of ownership)
– Letter of Value considerations
– Bill of Sale or Transfer form
– Press Clippings
– Videos
– Other Related Documents

A Certified Authenticity Package, provides a comprehensive set of documents to substantiate the authenticity and provenance. 

If you have a Certificate of Registry or a Certificate of Authenticity with a Registration ID, your Artwork is Registered; otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a Registry Look Up for us to check if your work is in the Registry.

A Certificate of Registry assures your work is registered, and there is supporting data in the registry. It provides both validation and a reference to the registry for additional information.

Similarly, a Certificate of Authenticity with an artwork Registration ID serves the same purpose. 

However, a Certificate of Authenticity without a Registration ID may not explicitly reference supporting data, relying solely on the issuer’s reputation or expertise for authentication.

If you do not possess a Certificate with a Registration ID, the artwork might have a Registration ID, typically located on the back for us to do a Registry Lookup. If we locate your artwork in our Registry, and you are the registered owner, you’ll be able to purchase a Certified Authentication Package.

However, if your artwork is not found in our Registry or you are not listed as the registered owner, we will promptly notify you of its status. In such circumstances, you can purchase an Authentication Review. This comprehensive review involves decisions about your artwork. 

Click to purchase a Registry Lookup

If your artwork is not listed in our Registry, we offer an alternative solution: the Authenticity Review. By purchasing an Authenticity Review, our experts will thoroughly assess and authenticate your artwork. Upon completion, we will provide you with an Authentication Package that includes the necessary documentation to support the artwork’s authenticity.

In the rare circumstance that we are unable to authenticate the artwork or have reason to believe it is not genuine, we will provide you with a professional letter of opinion outlining our findings. Our goal is to ensure transparency and assist you in making informed decisions about your artwork. Click to purchase an Authenticity Review

If you have a Registration ID, you can buy a Registry Lookup, which includes a basic Certificate of Authenticity if you’re the registered owner. As the owner, you can also get a Certified Authenticity Package. 

If you are not the registered owner, you’ll need to provide transfer from the registered owner, or if you lack a Registration ID, you’ll need to buy an Authenticity Review for further assessment.