HARRY BERTOIA ART

Thank you for contacting the foundation regarding your original Harry Bertoia art. Whether you have a confirmed or possible Bertoia, you have come to the right place.

Let’s find out exactly what your needs are.  Are you looking for:

  • A casual opinion of whether or not you have (or are considering purchasing) a real Bertoia?
  • An off-the-cuff opinion of what your Bertoia might sell for at a gallery or at auction?
  • An official Certificate of Authenticity from the HarryBertoia Foundation?
    Each certificate is the product of detailed research and expertise, and establishes the art as an authentic Harry Bertoia. Fees for authentication begin at $400.
  • A professional appraisal of value from our in-house Bertoia expert and fine art appraiser?
    An appraisal determines the type of valuation necessary for your specific situation, i.e. estate taxes, divorce settlement, insurance coverage, possible future sale, etc. and produces a 20 to 40 page report detailing both the current market environment, and the artwork and its value. Comprehensive analysis and explanation pertaining to your situation and the piece are included. The fee for an appraisal can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the number of pieces in your collection and the depth of research necessary for each piece. Click here to visit Fine Art Appraisal for more information.

We hope this helps you determine what you need. All of the above are available through the foundation. If you are looking for an auction house or gallery to sell your piece, browse our resources.

Let us know how we can help you further by emailing our staff at Info@HarryBertoia.org to set up an initial consultation.

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

We would be happy to authenticate your Bertoia art (if everything looks to be in order, of course). The base fee is $400. If further or extensive research is required, we will discuss an additional hourly fee. We can often work from high resolution photos but in some cases will need to see the piece in person. It can be shipped to us or you can opt to pay for our travel to you. Insurance is your responsibility. We will send an invoice via PayPal (or you can pay by check). You will receive a formal document and any related archival files (if available).​

An unsigned electronic version will be sent followed by a signed hard copy.​ We use our best judgement and thorough research but you should be aware that there is still a chance of error.

We will need the following via email:

  • Dimensions to closest 1/4″: total height, base width and length.
  • For Sonambient, number of rods and configuration of rods (i.e. 81,9 x 9 or 30,single row of 30)
  • Type of metal, if known, of rods, tops (if any) and base
  • Date created, if known
  • Any damage, scratches, marks; condition as you see it
  • Provenance, history of ownership as far as known
  • Why you believe it to be a Bertoia
  • Copy of receipts or related documents, if any
  • Photos, hi-res, from several angles and bottom, front, side and back and detail of welds
  • Any other pertinent details important to the piece
  • Your mailing address and correct spelling of your name

Thank you