Buy, sell, commission art directly from artists, and invest in fine art

FAQ

• Is it safe to invest?

  Throughout the entire first stage, the funds remain in the investor’s personal account and are fully under their control.

  The second stage is the “implementation of the investment object”. By the beginning of this stage, the investment object must have all documents confirming its authenticity. The investor will have the opportunity to review all materials and decide whether to participate in the implementation or terminate the investment agreement and withdraw their funds.

• What if the painting doesn't sell?

  There may be a situation when the authenticity of the artwork is not confirmed or its market value turns out to be lower than stated. This becomes known before the start of the second stage. In this case, the investor can either withdraw their funds or invest in another object.

• How do I exhibit my work?

  To list your artwork, add it through your personal account and fill in the basic information. View the guide

• Who guarantees authenticity?

  The authenticity of a painting is established through:

  Attribution (identifying the author, age, and authenticity) — a comprehensive study that includes three major stages:

  1. Scientific and Technical (Laboratory) Examination

     This is the most important and objective stage. It includes methods that allow determining:

     • Chemical composition of paints
       • X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF)
       • Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
       • Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

       What it reveals: It allows determining which pigments were used. For example:

       • Titanium white appeared only in the 20th century.
       • Lead white was used until the 19th century.
       • Chrome green — since the 19th century.

       If a painting is claimed to be from the 16th century but contains a pigment from the 1920s, it is a forgery.

     • Analysis of ground layers and binders

       Includes examination of:

       • type of ground
       • oils (linseed/walnut)
       • resins
       • organic substances

       This helps determine the era and sometimes the region.

     • Dendrochronology (for wooden panels)

       For panel paintings: comparison of tree-ring patterns with dated reference tables. It can determine:

       • when the tree was cut
       • whether the date corresponds to the period in which the artist could have worked

       Example: if the panel was cut in 1650, the painting cannot be from the 15th century.

     • Carbon dating (C14)

       Used for canvas, wood, and organic grounds.

     • X-ray imaging

       Reveals:

       • underlayers
       • corrections
       • changes in composition (pentimenti)
       • hidden images

       Authentic old paintings often contain pentimenti — natural changes made during the creative process.

     • Infrared reflectography (IRR)

       Reveals:

       • underdrawings
       • the artist’s original sketch
       • characteristic linework

       Each master has a recognisable “hand”.

     • Ultraviolet fluorescence (UV)

       Shows:

       • restorations
       • later interventions
       • new varnish layers
  2. Art Historical (Stylistic) Expertise

     Conducted by independent specialists in a specific era or artist. They evaluate:

     • painting technique
     • composition
     • brushstroke
     • line quality
     • comparison with authenticated works

     It is important that the expert is highly specialized (for example, Italian Renaissance).

  3. Documentary and Historical Expertise (Provenance)

     The weakest but still important part. It includes the study of:

     • ownership history (provenance)
     • archives
     • catalogues raisonné
     • mentions in museums or exhibitions
     • old receipts/photos

     If a proven ownership chain exists from the 18th–19th century, the value increases significantly.

  4. Final Authentication Report

     A reputable laboratory provides:

     • a technical report
     • an art expert’s conclusion
     • provenance analysis
     • dating
     • confirmation or rejection of authenticity