The Rules of Buying Fine Art Online & Off

March 19, 2025

When buying fine art online, it's important to never compromise on authenticity or condition. Whether you are purchasing fine art online or in person, always ensure the artwork is genuine and always insist on getting a formal statement of condition. If available, the artwork should be listed in the Artist's Catalogue Raisonné. If it's not in a trusted source like this, make sure the description avoids exaggerated claims.

Jasper Johns Untitled (ULAE 309), 2012 color intaglio

At Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., we take pride in offering and selling fine art that is thoroughly documented for authenticity and condition. We provide clear, accurate photographs of the artwork for sale, including photographs of the frame if applicable, so there are no surprises. Our descriptions are precise, ensuring you have all the details you need to make a purchase decision.

Some artworks sold online may not be documented in a Catalogue Raisonné and may be considered "ephemera." Some ephemera has value, but it’s important that the respective ephemera description is accurate and transparent. Avoid paying too much for ephemera that is falsely advertised with hyperbole or, worse, counterfeit. Frequently deceptive art sellers even alter titles/history of ephemera to make the respective artwork appear more important. Be cautious of art sellers who create a "news" story about just about every work of art they sell; if in doubt, google what they claim and/or use google images to double check the art seller's claims.

If a seller’s description is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It's better to clarify any doubts before purchasing, especially to avoid buying artwork that may be misrepresented or of questionable value.

With over 30 years of multi-faceted fine art experience, Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. understands the importance of providing clear, truthful documentation so art buyers can make informed decisions without being misled by unnecessary exaggeration. You should also be cautious of art sellers who make exaggerated claims or offer unsupported guarantees in their descriptions, especially if the claims promise future price appreciation. To be blunt, never buy ANY fine art from any one who promises future market appreciation.

Many art sellers or art dealers offer certificates of authenticity (COA) with their artworks. For a COA to be valid and meaningful, it must be officially authorized, usually by the artist or their representative. It is also essential that any COA you receive is always an original, NEVER a photocopy. COA's issued by parties unrelated to the Artist, such as third-party organizations and/or so called "autograph experts" with no connection to the seller and/or artist, are often not reliable nor meaningful.

You should also be extremely cautious of art sellers who flagrantly offer a COA for every artwork they sell, especially if they sell artworks by multiple artists. Too often, these art sellers who flagrantly issue COA's for every fine art listing are issuing COA's as a marketing tool to seduce buyers. Accordingly, the COA generated by many of these art sellers is often just a worthless document that provides no consumer protection or long-term value.

Richard Serra Untitled, 1973 lithograph on 100% rag paper

Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd., an Internationally recognized Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol authority and Fine Art Advisory, has three decades multifaceted fine art experience and perspective as art dealer, online gallery, fine art executive and art collector. Backed by Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd.'s expertise and reputation as a leading secondary market art dealer, every item offered and sold in the Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. Store is guaranteed for authenticity and condition.

All Fine Art offered and sold by Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. is Guaranteed Authentic.