Old Oil painting on canvas

[bigwull]

I asked how much it would be , she never brought up charging, she hasn't responded yet.  I like to get a handle on who these people are more.  If it requires payment for research it is not going to happen because I know I can get it done free.   The man that sent me the email responce sent my information to her.   Here in the U. S. you have to be very careful who you deal with.  I have also sent pictures to my local museum. 

you,ve got your noggin screwed on the right way....but you paint a very dull picture of the way things are over there...i,m glad i,m here and you,re there...

[Ipcress]

Many artists did varnish their work !! Was a common practice !!

My point is, Mart, that it appears to have been varnished recently. Dealers and collectors generally hate that appearance on antique paintings. Bit like silver, though not as bad.

[mart]

Which pic are you talking about ??  Is there one that I have missed cause I didn`t notice anything ??

[icedgold10]

So she writes me back and says for a quick search it is $150.  Granted that is how they make money but can't deal with that kind because you have to make sure your not purchasing a certificate and they have no clue what it is.  It could turn out to be an artist like Icpress said but that wouldn't be totally bad looking at the price they got for it.  I think the museum may send me the right direction with it. 

[Ipcress]

The right people will appraise this free of charge.

Are you thinking of selling or keeping it ?

[fancypants]

Nice little painting , icedgold10 .

Does have the appearance of an American work , but also possibly Euro in style/origin ... def a hands-on inspection piece !

Despite all the wear & tear on it , looks like a keeper (esp. if ya like it) !

[icedgold10]

Depending on value I will sell it.  If it has less value I would just keep it and enjoy it. As they say most everything has a price that would prompt its sale.  I actually like the painting.  The artist I hope it is by actually did work in my area so it is possible that it would end up staying around here.  Although, don't want it in the hands of that man who was mistreating it and all his other paintings.  Just sad to see people tossing art around.

[icedgold10]

So Christies suggested that I take it to http://www.bonhams.com/  saying it didn't meet their price focus.  This place looks pretty high end too but is it worth it to go there or should I just sell on my own?

[mart]

Bonhams is a pretty highly regarded auction but it depends on what the painting is valued at !! You might see what their estimate would be on it !!

[icedgold10]

I'll send pictures to them and get their opinion.  The pics have been at Christies for several weeks.  Good thing is they suggested the other place instead of a flat refusal on this one. Usually that is what they do.

[mart]

My opinion is if less than 2 grand,, do it yourself !!  Wait till you see what the local museum says !! You did say you contacted someone locally didn`t you !!  Many times a good gallery will help with sales of known artists !!

[icedgold10]

Still waiting on the local people.  I'm learning about being patient in life.

[mart]

I am very impatient,,!! I hate to wait !!