Valuation guide

Maurice Braun painting value: what matters

Braun painted for more than thirty years, mostly in San Diego, so values for his work vary widely. These are the questions a specialist asks when looking at a Braun. We don't publish price lists, because a figure without the painting in front of us would be a guess.

Subject

Braun is best known for his Southern California landscapes: sunlit hills and valleys in the San Diego backcountry, eucalyptus groves, and views of the bay and Point Loma. He also painted mountain scenes, East Coast landscapes, still lifes and, early in his career, portraits. Identifiable San Diego places tend to interest collectors.

Medium and scale

Most of Braun's paintings are oils on canvas or board. Scale counts: a large finished canvas is a different object from a small study. Measure the image area, and note the support.

Where and when it was painted

Braun's California work spans 1909 to 1941, and he painted in Connecticut and New England for part of most years between 1921 and 1929. A title, place name or date on the painting helps place it in his career.

Condition

Look for flaking, tears, old patches or relining, heavy retouching, and darkened or yellowed varnish, which can dull Braun's high-keyed color. Leave cleaning to a conservator, and only after you have had advice.

Labels and provenance

Labels from the dealers and exhibitions that handled his work, inscriptions on the back, and family records tracing a painting back to the artist can all add interest. Keep the painting's paperwork together and photograph everything on the back.

Authenticity

Many painters worked in a similar style in Southern California, and misattributions turn up. Signature, technique, materials and documented history all play a part. A dealer who regularly handles California Impressionist paintings can tell you quickly whether a work deserves closer study.

Appraisal and next steps

Steven Stern Fine Arts evaluates each painting individually on authorship, period, subject, condition, provenance, exhibition history, literature and importance. To begin, send photos through the seller inquiry or call (310) 570-5679. You can also compare with Braun paintings the gallery has sold.

Questions owners ask

How much is a Maurice Braun painting worth?

It depends on the painting. Braun's work ranges from small oil sketches on board to large finished canvases, and their values differ accordingly. The gallery can give an informed view once it has seen photographs and the dimensions.

Can Steven Stern Fine Arts appraise my Braun?

The gallery offers confidential evaluations and lists fine art appraisals among its services. Let us know whether you need a valuation to sell, or a formal appraisal for insurance, estate or donation purposes.

My painting shows a New England or Connecticut scene. Is it by the same Braun?

Quite possibly. Braun spent part of most years from 1921 to 1929 painting in Connecticut and New England. Send us photographs and we can take a look.

There is a label on the back. Does that matter?

It can. Gallery and exhibition labels help document a painting's history. Photograph them clearly and don't remove or cover them.