TITO CONTI Watercolour Painting On Board
I purchased this from auction from a luxury hotel in Australia and the auctioneer claims it is an original TITO CONTI (1842-1924) Watercolour Painting On Board. I am unsure about the signature. Condition: The painting needs a bit of restoration and a new frame. The damage can be seen in the photos. Signature: The signature has a bit of damage from the looks of it and I am unsure of if it is his signature. (In the case this isn't his work they will refund me.) Size: Image Size: 12cm x 20cm Frame Size: 30cm x 38cm. It is a nice painting and if it is his work, I am planning on getting it restored and a new frame. Just an additional note, it seems like there is a lot of dirt on the inside of the glass. Thank you
The artwork came from Bedford Manor hotel
Auction House
Maybe
Hi Scott,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
It's impossible to be 100% certain when evaluating from photographs (nothing compares to handling a work in person) but the signature looks right and comparable to ones shows on the artist's page on www.askart.com.
I am afraid that the damage does negatively impact the value.
Conti's watercolors are not bringing much money at auction - no records over $1,000, most around $500
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Tito Conti (Italian, 1842-1924)
Roman ruins
watercolor on board
signed lower left
panel: 12 by 20 cm (4 3/4 by 7 3/4 inches)
frame: 30 by 38 cm (11 3/4 by 15 inches)
CONDITION: spotting throughout (unclear if this is on the glass or on the surface of the painting).
PROVENANCE: acquired at auction in Australia
$200-300*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Thank you, the value isn't that important to me but having that assurance of the artist is the more important thing.
The value is more than I paid for it.
I am meeting with a work colleague who is a trained archeologist and runs a museum and they have offered to provide me with some information on conservation and preventing further damage.
My aim now is to get it in a new frame (with UV coated glass) and potentially get it restored.
Thank you