African art. Personal. Independent.
Expertise & Advisory
Authentic or fake? Original, copy or imitation? When, where and by whom was a work of art created? Is its provenance documented, and was it acquired legally? What is it worth?
The answers to these questions are crucial for the professional classification of a work of art.
My field of expertise is the traditional art of Africa. This includes cult and everyday objects, masks, figures, jewelry, textiles, and related ethnographic artworks.
I have been working in the art trade for four decades. During this time, I have acquired in-depth market knowledge and built an international network of collectors, researchers, dealers, and museums.
I advise private clients and institutions worldwide personally and independently, both in assessing individual works and in questions regarding entire collections.
Jean David, African Art Specialist
Valuations
Professional appraisal of the current market value of individual works of art or entire collections, for purposes such as insurance, estate settlement, customs clearance, asset statements or a planned sale.
Expert Assessments
Expert evaluation of traditional works of art from Africa in terms of authenticity, age, quality, origin, and artistic historical classification, with written documentation and certificate.
Research
Research into provenance, publications, exhibitions and comparable objects. Scientific dating, material analyses, consultation with external specialists and further expert investigations.
Collection Documentation
Systematic cataloguing and documentation of entire collections of African art, including descriptions, photographs, cultural and geographical attributions, provenance information and valuations, tailored to individual requirements.
Estate Advisory
Advice for heirs and communities of heirs on reviewing, valuing and professionally assessing collections of African art, as well as on decisions concerning division, retention, donation or sale.
Acquisition and Sale Advisory
Independent advice on the acquisition or sale of African art, from assessing specific opportunities and market conditions to identifying the most appropriate sales channel and strategy.
Your Enquiry
Feel free to contact me directly with your request. A preliminary clarification is, of course, free of charge.
For simple inquiries about objects, please use the form «Free Enquiry».
Fees
The fee is calculated according to the nature and scope of the assignment and, by prior agreement, may be charged on an hourly, fixed-fee or percentage basis.
Travel time and expenses are charged separately.
Contact
Jean DAVID
+41 44 280 20 00
info@jeandavid.com
St. Jakobs-Strasse 59
4052 Basel / Switzerland