New procedure
Due to an overwhelming number of requests, we are only accepting requests from professionals in the art field. Solely online requests from accredited art dealers and auction houses will be processed. Members of the public are therefore asked to contact an accredited art dealer or auction house.
NB: we will not enter into correspondence regarding accredited art dealers and auction houses nor can we give out any advice on that matter.
Request
Van Gogh’s oeuvre is very well documented. New works are rarely added to his oeuvre. If you are an accredited art dealer or auction house working on behalf of the owner of a painting, drawing, letter or print to find out whether the work is by Vincent van Gogh, you can ask the Van Gogh Museum’s opinion by submitting an authentication request.
The museum conducts research into Vincent van Gogh’s art, and so we have a great deal of detailed knowledge about his oeuvre, his iconography, his painting and drawing techniques, his choice of materials and the provenance of his works. This knowledge can help determine whether or not an artwork can be attributed to Van Gogh.
Submitting a request is free. In order to process all of the requests as efficiently as possible, there is a procedure to be followed and a number of conditions that need to be met. You can read more about the procedure and conditions below.
In light of the large numbers of authenticity requests, most of the artworks are processed based purely on photographs; the Van Gogh Museum will only occasionally ask for the actual artwork to be sent to the museum for more detailed examination. If the museum is not of the opinion that the artwork is by Van Gogh once the photographs have been examined, we will not provide a detailed substantiation of our findings.
In such cases, our researchers are of the opinion that the rejected artwork is clearly far removed from Van Gogh’s work in terms of style, iconography or materials (or a combination of the three). In the art historical field, it is not uncommon to reject artworks based solely on photographs and documentation, and the Van Gogh Museum endorses this accepted practice.
Artworks should only be sent to the Van Gogh Museum at the museum’s invitation. Artworks that are sent without an invitation will not be accepted by the museum, and will be returned directly to the sender. The Van Gogh Museum accepts no liability whatsoever with regard to artworks that are sent without an invitation. All associated costs will be charged to the sender.
Procedure and conditions
- The art dealer or auction house applies for accreditation using the form listed below on this website. NB: this is solely an application for accreditation.
- If accreditation is granted by the museum, the art dealer or auction house can start an authentication request on behalf of the owner of the work. They will receive forms and an accreditation number, which they can use to submit requests.
- Please read the general terms and conditions prior to applying for accreditation.
- By submitting an accreditation request, you agree to the terms and conditions.
- We will not enter into email communications regarding the outcome of accreditation applications.
- Do not send any artworks to the Van Gogh Museum unless this is explicitly requested by the Van Gogh Museum.
Terms and Conditions
Request accreditation data authenticity research
Are you accredited, but have you lost your accreditation number and/or the link to the Authenticity Research contract request form? Contact us by filling out the form below.