The Calder Foundation offers an authentication service to examine works of art attributed to Alexander Calder. These private and confidential examinations are held on a monthly basis in New York City and occasionally in Paris. Since beginning this procedure in 1993, more than 3,600 works have been presented to the Foundation by Christie's, Sotheby's, and other auction houses, as well as dealers, collectors and institutions worldwide. The Foundation does not charge for authentication.

Owners requesting authentication for a work must physically present the work for examination. No authentications are provided based on photographs. As part of the authentication procedure, the owner is required to submit a standard catalogue raisonné application form and a 4" x 5" color transparency of the work. This photograph becomes the property of the Foundation as a permanent part of the archival record and for reproduction in the catalogue raisonné. After the examination has taken place, the owner of a submitted work must contact the Foundation by telephone the week following the viewing to receive the verbal opinion of the Foundation.

The Foundation does not provide certificates of authenticity. Genuine works are assigned permanent application numbers which are available to the owners for future reference and inquiry. In the event the Foundation is of the opinion that a work is not by Alexander Calder, a letter to that effect will be provided to the owner when requested in writing. Please note that the Foundation does not provide valuations of works.

Please contact the Foundation directly to register for an upcoming viewing and to confirm the date and location.

Click here to download the catalogue raisonné application form in Adobe .pdf format.