I just purchased a piece of artwork by Picasso. How can I authenicate it? :confused: There is no signature, no number... only a date. I have found the same piece on the web as a print, but this is not a print... it is done on something that looks like pressboard. The pastels are totally intact, and it appears to be quite old. I have researched the web, but cannot find out anything about the original of this piece, only prints of it. What do I do next? (It seems like all appraisers are either in New York, California, Sweden, France or Germany).

Is there a museum anywhere near you?Or an art dealer?
If so you could try them out and find out if they are willing to find if your painting is authentic.

Who did you purchase this from? Where did you purchase it? How is it you were not given an information as to authenticity? What did you pay for the picture? While I doubt what you have is an original, it has been known to happen. Are you sure that who you bought the picture from is honest? It has happened that stolen paintings show up in someone's home, who bought the painting, thinking this was an honest dealing.

I would take the painting to an antique dealer but find one who deals in paintings. Or an art gallery near you or even your local college or university and ask to speak to the Professor of Art. I know that is a long shot but what are your options? You could also contact the Antiques Roadshow's website and ask your question there.
Antiques Roadshow Online | PBS
Also read this story about the little lost Picasso - Philadelphia, Follow the Stories: A Lost Little Picasso

Couldn't give you a greenie Shy,
But what you have said is true, stolen authentic pieces have been known to have circulated and sold .

Please email me one or more images of your pastel, including the back side, so that I can help you with further identification/authentication. Although I am not an expert on this specific artist I continue to do extensive research relating to various European and American artists. There will be no charge for the initial review of your work of art. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dean Allen Phelps
New Mexico

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