Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to go to FAQs specific to the Remington Examination process.

Q: What can you tell me about my work of art?

A: The Whitney Gallery of Western Art receives many questions from private collectors asking for information about works of art that they own or about the works of art of a particular artist. Although it is not within the scope of our public mission to do extensive research for private individuals, we encourage the understanding and appreciation of western art by serving as a research resource, responding to specific inquiries and pointing individuals to other sources for information, as our resources and time permit. We have prepared bibliographies on some artists. Often, individuals ask about a specific work of art, but provide very limited information about the work, which makes it difficult for our museum or other sources to respond. We have prepared Guidelines for Documenting Works of Art. Private collectors will increase their own knowledge and be in a stronger position to obtain advice by documenting their works of art as suggested.

Q: What is my work of art worth?

A: Staff members of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are prohibited by museum policy from providing appraisals. We do not offer opinions on financial value. Researching financial value or obtaining an official appraisal is the private collector’s responsibility. Sometimes, Whitney Gallery staff members might be able to point private collectors to methods of researching financial value. Organizations of appraisers can be consulted. Here is a list of appraisal organizations.

Q: I want to sell my work of art. Will you buy it or tell me how to sell it?

A: The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is always interested in improving its collections, but realistically, we are not often in a position to purchase works of art. We have extremely limited funds for acquisitions, and we have institutionally defined priorities. If you would like to provide information and imagery on a work of art that you wish to sell, we will review your material in reference to our collections priorities and as part of our efforts to be informed about western American art. We can sometimes offer guidance in methods of researching the western art scene, but we are not able to advise individuals on the sale of their private property.

Q: I would like to donate my work of art to your museum. What would I need to do?

A: The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is very grateful to the many people who have helped to build our collections through donations. We continue to develop our holdings through generous gifts. Donating a work of art is a noble action. Our process involves a review to make certain that a possible acquisition would be appropriate for our collections, that we would be able to use and care for it, and that the donor’s concerns are addressed. We would ask collectors to contact us. Curatorial staff will respond so that we can discuss any concerns that the potential donor might have and how the work might fit in the museum’s collections.

FAQs for Remington Examination Process

Q. Who do I contact with questions about the overall process?

A. Please contact Mindy Besaw, John S. Bugas Curator of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, or by phone @ 307.578.4053.

Q. How do I sign up for the next Exam?

A. Please contact Mindy Besaw, John S. Bugas Curator of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art. Ms. Besaw will send you an information packet with more information including the fee schedule, the “Request for Examination Form,” shipping information, and research guidelines.

Q. Is there a deadline to submit my information?

A. Space in the Remington Examination sessions is limited and is filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Fee payment and signed paperwork reserves your space. Please Note: Do not send your item to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center until you have been contacted by the Registration Department.

Q. Why should I submit my item to the Exam and pay the fee?

A. Authentication is important to the provenance of your item. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is the only institution that authenticates a Remington item. If your item is authenticated, it will be published in the catalogue raisonné revised CD-ROM. The Remington catalogue raisonné includes signed oils, watercolors, and drawings that were published during the artist’s lifetime as well as certain unsigned, unfinished paintings.

The purpose of the catalogue raisonné is outlined in Melissa Webster’s essay, “The Frederic Remington Catalogue Raisonné” in volume 1, page 19: “Bringing together all an artist’s work and organizing it clarifies stylistic changes and development in an artist’s career, reveals much about his or her artistic process, helps authenticate new works that surface, substantiates old theories concerning the artist’s work and sparks new speculations. More broadly, catalogue raisonnés of American artists help illuminate and define more clearly developments in American art history.”

Q. How does the committee determine authentication?

A. Connoisseurship is the best tool for an art historian. When reviewing the actual works of art, the committee studies the works from an art historical perspective. Each work is considered in relation to Remington’s known body of works and his methods of drawing and painting. To consider whether an attribution to Remington is appropriate, the scholars use connoisseurship, the thorough understanding of the visual characteristics of Remington’s work including technique, form, and style. The committee also applies the knowledge gathered for the catalogue raisonné and, where relevant, information from the artist’s written materials such as journals and letters for historical context. If the committee determines that testing of materials would enhance the review, they will recommend scientific testing. The team is committed to the best available resources, which could change over time, especially with advances in scientific technology used in art.

Q. What will I receive at the end of the Exam?

A. Immediately following the Exam, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Registration Department will contact you to arrange return shipping of your item(s). In eight to twelve weeks following the Exam you will receive a copy of the written opinion of the committee by U.S. mail. The opinion will be signed by the committee members. It is against our policy to give you the opinion electronically or over the phone.

Q. Can you tell me the value of my item?

A. No. As a non-profit educational institution, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center does not provide appraisals or value estimates. Therefore no estimate or opinion concerning the monetary value of any work of art will be given. Authentication is provided for research and educational purposes only. You can contact the American Society of Appraisers for more information on appraisals: 1.800.ASA.VALU.

Q. What does the examination fee pay for?

A. The examination fee pays for expenses only—travel, lodging, and meals for the committee during the examination time, and professional handling and photography by the Historical Center for the Items. The Committee members are not paid an honorarium or any fees for their participation and scholarly expertise. Fee does not include shipping and insurance costs.

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