Since 1970, IFAR has offered a unique, impartial, and authoritative Art Authentication Research Service for works of art whose authorship is in question. IFAR draws on its own distinguished Art Advisory Council and an international network of eminent scholars and scientists. As a non-profit educational organization, IFAR is free to render objective opinions independent of the marketplace. IFAR does not offer monetary appraisals.

IFAR’s Authentication Research Service is offered to private individuals, art dealers, museums, and other institutions. IFAR will only examine a work for an owner or an agent officially representing the owner, or for a prospective buyer with the owner's written permission.

Preliminary Inquiry
IFAR is able to undertake only a limited number of authentication projects each year. Therefore, we ask applicants to proceed in two stages. At the preliminary inquiry stage, we request a non-refundable deposit, a signed contract and the documentation and information described on our application form. This includes two, professional quality, 8" x 10" color photographs and an 8" x 10" (or other large standard size) color transparency, together with all provenance information and any verbal or written opinions—positive or negative—that have previously been expressed about the work. We will retain at least one photograph for our records

Please note: IFAR will rarely accept a work lacking an initial attribution.

Authentication Research
If a work is accepted for research and the signed contract by the owner is in-hand, IFAR will assign a researcher, and identify and consult with the appropriate experts, whether on IFAR’s Art Advisory Council or elsewhere. Several experts may be—and usually are—consulted on a project. Generally, the names of the experts are provided in IFAR’s report; however, certain experts may wish to remain anonymous usually because of their museum or university affiliation. It is, therefore, within the sole discretion of IFAR to determine whether the name(s) of the expert(s) are disclosed.

At the appropriate time, IFAR will ask to examine the work. If necessary, we will recommend laboratory analysis (e.g. X-radiography, infrared reflectography, pigment analysis, etc.), possibly at additional cost.

A written report outlining our findings and stating our opinion as to authorship will be presented after the completion of the research. In rare instances, the report may not be conclusive. IFAR does not issue "certificates of authenticity."

IFAR charges an initial, non-refundable $250 deposit at the inquiry stage. This will be applied to the basic $2,000 cost if IFAR is able to undertake the research and the client and IFAR agree to proceed. Additional charges may be required for technical analysis or other work; however, this would not be undertaken without the owner’s consent. All shipping to and from IFAR and insurance costs are the responsibility of the client. Please note: IFAR will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to the artwork for any reason, whether theft, fire, leakage, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances.

As an educational organization, IFAR reserves the right to publish the results of its research; however the owner’s name would not be revealed without permission.

If you are interested in having IFAR research your work, please call or write for additional information and application forms:

IFAR Authentication Research Service
500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 935
New York, NY 10110
or call: (212) 391-6234
between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri., EST.