I just bought a piece that looks like a Bertoia. Can you tell me if it is an original Harry Bertoia?
If you send photos, dimensions and anything else you know about it, we will be happy to take a quick look at no charge. For a certificate of authentication, see below.
How can I get my Bertoia art authenticated, what does it cost, and what will I get?
A: If you have clear provenance and documentation, the foundation may be able to authenticate it for the base fee of $400. If there are questions or issues, we may have to do extended research without any promise of authentication. If this is the case, we will consult with you to see what you want to do and discuss potential costs. If we are able to validate your art, you will receive a hard copy of a Certificate of Authenticity, signed and dated, and any pertinent archival record regarding your piece.
I’m not sure if I need an appraisal, an authentication, or just a casual opinion? Help!
This document will help you sort out exactly what you need. We can help with all of them. See Authentication vs Approval.
I have a Bertoia spray. Will the HarryBertoia foundation authenticate it?
The “spray” type sculptures have become problematic in recent years. There are many spray copies and would-be Bertoias out there that are not original Harry Bertoia pieces. If you or your relative/associate acquired it directly from Harry or one of his gallery representatives and you have documentation, the answer is yes. If you came by it through second-hand means with no documenting paperwork, it may be a challenge. If you wish to pursue a Certificate of Authenticity, we can research your piece and search the archives, but there is no promise of successful authentication. We cannot authenticate a spray sculpture that does not have substantiating evidence regarding the artist.
I heard that there was an issue of Bertoia sprays for Knoll; is that correct?
A: While Bertoia did occasionally sell his sprays through Knoll dealers in the 1960s, he never made a specific Knoll series. Each spray was unique. The Knoll managers had such love and respect for Harry that they sold his sculptures with no fee attached, having folks make checks directly to Harry Bertoia.
How can I tell if my Diamond chair or Side chair is an authentic Bertoia by Knoll?
See our extensive how-to article at ID Bertoia Chairs. A book on the Bertoia chairs is in the works.