Frequently Asked Questions
Practical information about viewing, acquiring, shipping, and reselling artworks through Markowicz Fine Art. For questions about a specific work, please contact our team. We usually respond within one business day.
Acquiring an Artwork
How do I purchase an artwork?
Select Inquire on the artwork page or contact the gallery directly. A member of our team will confirm the artwork’s availability, location, price, documentation, applicable taxes, and delivery options.
Once the details have been agreed, we will issue an invoice or sales agreement containing the payment and delivery terms. An artwork is reserved only after the deposit or payment specified in the invoice has been received.
Is every artwork shown on the website currently available?
Availability is updated regularly, but it should always be confirmed directly with the gallery. An artwork may be temporarily reserved, on approval, displayed at an exhibition or art fair, located with the artist, or awaiting final inventory confirmation.
An artwork is considered available for purchase only after written confirmation from Markowicz Fine Art. The website already distinguishes between available works, sold works, and the individual numbers still available within certain editions.
Why are some artworks listed as “Price on request”?
Some prices are provided directly by the gallery because they may depend on current availability, the specific edition number, the artwork’s location, the owner’s instructions, or current secondary market conditions.
Contacting the gallery does not commit you to a purchase. We will provide the current price and relevant acquisition details promptly.
Can I request additional photographs, a video, or a condition report?
Yes. We can provide additional photographs, close ups, views of the reverse, signatures, edition numbers, labels, installation images, videos, and scale references.
For secondary market works, a detailed condition report can be provided when available or arranged before the acquisition is finalized.
Will I receive the exact artwork shown on the website?
For a unique artwork, the photographs normally represent the specific work being offered.
For an edition, the photographs may show another example from the same edition. Before purchase, we will confirm the exact edition number, finish, condition, signature, and any meaningful variations between examples.
What documentation comes with my purchase?
Every purchase is accompanied by a Markowicz Fine Art invoice and the documentation applicable to the artwork. Depending on the work, this may include:
- A certificate of authenticity
- Artist or studio documentation
- Edition and signature details
- Provenance information
- A condition report
- Care, installation, or maintenance instructions
Not every artwork uses the same form of authentication, so the exact documentation included with the purchase will be confirmed before payment.
How do you assess authenticity and provenance?
The review process depends on the artist and the artwork. It may include artist or studio records, certificates, invoices, catalogues raisonnés, publisher or foundry information, exhibition history, prior ownership, signatures, labels, edition markings, and physical condition.
When a recognized authentication body exists for a particular artist, its documentation is requested where appropriate. The specific basis for the attribution and authenticity of an artwork will be disclosed before purchase.
What is the difference between a primary market and a secondary market artwork?
A primary market artwork is being offered for its first sale through the artist, the artist’s studio, or a representing gallery.
A secondary market artwork has been previously owned and is being offered for resale. Markowicz Fine Art works in both areas and provides the documentation, provenance information, and transaction context relevant to each work. The gallery’s secondary market department also assists with private sourcing, market analysis, acquisitions, and resales.
Payment, Shipping and Installation
Which payment methods do you accept?
Payment options are confirmed on the invoice and may include bank transfer or major credit card, depending on the transaction.
Payment plans may be considered for selected artworks by prior written agreement. For security, always verify bank instructions directly with a member of our team before sending funds.
Are taxes, shipping, and installation included in the artwork price?
Unless expressly stated, the artwork price does not include sales tax, packing, shipping, customs duties, installation, engineering, or special handling.
Your proposal or invoice will identify the applicable costs and clearly state what is included in the transaction.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Markowicz Fine Art arranges domestic and international delivery through professional art shippers.
The shipping method and cost depend on the artwork’s dimensions, weight, materials, value, destination, access conditions, and installation requirements. Custom crating may be recommended or required for certain works.
How is an artwork packed and insured?
Packing is selected specifically for each artwork and may include professional soft packing, reinforced packaging, a travel frame, or a custom wooden crate.
When shipping is arranged by Markowicz Fine Art, the applicable insurance coverage and the point at which responsibility transfers will be stated in the shipping quotation or sales documents.
What should I do if an artwork arrives damaged?
Do not discard the packaging.
Photograph the exterior packaging, interior packing materials, artwork, and visible damage immediately. Contact Markowicz Fine Art as soon as possible and retain all packing materials until instructed otherwise.
We will coordinate the claim and the appropriate next steps according to the carrier and insurance terms.
Can you assist with framing, installation, or outdoor placement?
Yes. We can advise on framing, pedestals, wall requirements, professional installation, lighting, and placement.
For outdoor sculptures and large scale works, we can also help coordinate engineering, anchoring, access, lifting equipment, maintenance requirements, and site specific logistics. These services may be quoted separately.
What is your cancellation and return policy?
The cancellation and return terms applicable to each purchase are stated in the invoice or sales agreement.
Because artworks may be unique, limited, specially ordered, commissioned, or sourced from a third party, no return or cancellation should be assumed unless it has been agreed in writing before the purchase.
Claims involving damage during transportation are handled according to the applicable shipping and insurance terms.
Viewing Artworks and Advisory Services
Can I see an artwork in person before purchasing it?
Yes. Our Miami location welcomes visitors by appointment. Our Laguna Niguel location is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on weekends by appointment.
Because individual works may be in storage, with the artist, at an exhibition, or at another location, please confirm the availability of the specific artwork before visiting.
A remote presentation can also be arranged by video, with views from multiple angles and additional information about scale, materials, condition, and installation.
Do you work with first time collectors?
Yes. No previous collecting experience is required.
Our team can explain the medium, edition, condition, documentation, display requirements, care, shipping, and acquisition process, and help compare different works without assuming prior knowledge of the art market.
Do you work with interior designers, architects, art advisors, and corporate clients?
Yes. Markowicz Fine Art works with private collectors, corporations, architects, interior designers, hospitality groups, developers, and public institutions.
Services may include individual acquisitions, collection development, artwork selection, scale studies, site specific recommendations, placement, shipping, installation, and large scale public art projects.
Can you source an artwork that is not listed on the website?
Yes. Our secondary market department can conduct a discreet search through collectors, galleries, studios, and established market sources.
Please provide the artist, title or series, preferred edition, approximate budget, condition requirements, location, and desired timing. Any proposed work will be presented with the available documentation, provenance information, condition details, and price.
Selling an Artwork
Does Markowicz Fine Art buy artworks or accept consignments?
Markowicz Fine Art considers selected artworks for direct purchase, consignment, brokerage, or private sale. To request an initial review, please provide:
- Artist’s name
- Artwork title and year
- Medium and dimensions
- Edition number, when applicable
- Provenance and purchase history
- Current condition
- Current location
- Price expectations
- Clear photographs of the front and back
- Photographs of signatures, labels, stamps, and edition markings
- Copies of certificates, invoices, or other documentation
Submitting an artwork does not guarantee that it will be accepted. The gallery’s secondary market activity already includes acquisition advice, resale assistance, private sourcing, provenance review, and condition analysis.