The Ultimate Checklist for Buying 19th Century Oil Paintings on Ruby Lane

Your Comprehensive Checklist for Acquiring 19th Century Oil Paintings on Ruby Lane

Investing in a 19th-century oil painting can be a rewarding experience. Ruby Lane offers a vast selection, but it's crucial to approach each purchase with diligence. This checklist will guide you through the essential steps to ensure you acquire a genuine piece and a sound investment.

Verifying Authenticity and Condition

• ✓ Examine high-resolution images carefully for details, texture, and any signs of damage or restoration. Look for close-ups of the signature and any maker's marks.
• ✓ Scrutinize the 'condition' description for any mention of restoration, touch-ups, or repairs. Professional sellers will be transparent about any work done to the painting.
• ✓ Investigate the stretcher bars, canvas, and frame for clues to the painting's age and origin. Older pieces may show signs of age on the wood, and nails are indicative of older construction, while staples are later.
• ✓ If a certificate of authenticity is provided, research the issuing authority. Be wary of generic or easily forged certificates.
• ✓ Understand that 'restored' does not always mean 'original.' Scammers may try to pass off heavily restored pieces as original.

Assessing Seller and Listing Integrity

• ✓ Review the seller's overall rating and read other buyers' feedback. Look for consistent positive reviews regarding the accuracy of descriptions and the quality of items.
• ✓ Check if the seller provides detailed provenance or historical information about the painting. Genuine provenance adds significant value and authenticity.
• ✓ Be skeptical of listings that use generic or stolen collector photos. Always look for unique details in the images that correspond to the description.
• ✓ Ruby Lane's platform has measures to protect buyers, but it does not guarantee transactions. Always communicate and transact through the platform.
• ✓ Avoid sellers who pressure you into an 'off-platform private sale.' This is a common scam to avoid Ruby Lane's oversight and buyer protection.

Understanding Potential Scams

While Ruby Lane is a reputable platform, understanding common scams related to art can prevent costly mistakes. For 19th-century oil paintings, be aware of:

• ✓ Fake Certificate of Authenticity: Scammers create convincing-looking certificates that are ultimately worthless.
• ✓ Restored-as-Original Deception: Sellers may fail to disclose the extent of restoration, presenting a revitalized piece as untouched.
• ✓ Stolen Collector Photos: Using images of a genuine artwork from another source to misrepresent a fake or lower-quality item.
• ✓ Fake Antique Provenance: Fabricated histories or ownership records to inflate a painting's value.
• ✓ Hidden Damage Omission: Failure to disclose cracks, fading, or other damage not immediately apparent in photos.

Securing Your Purchase

For high-value transactions involving 19th-century oil paintings, which often exceed $500, utilizing a robust identity verification service is recommended. Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan offers an extra layer of security by verifying the identity of both buyer and seller, ensuring a more trustworthy P2P transaction. This is crucial for unique and valuable items like antique art.