In 2004, together with Alberto Giacometti’s minority right holders, the Alberto and Annette Giacometti Foundation formed the Giacometti Committee.
In the name of all the beneficiaries, the Giacometti Committee verifies the authenticity of pieces submitted during its sessions (paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, decorative art objects). It issues certificates of authenticity for Alberto Giacometti’s works. The Giacometti Committee is managed by the Alberto and Annette Giacometti Foundation which defends the moral and patrimonial rights of Alberto Giacometti, in court when necessary. The Committee’s offices are located at the Foundation in Paris.
The Committee’s two experts (Veronique Wiesinger and Christian Klemm) undertake an in-depth investigation of each work, its technique, its provenance, its historical background. The Giacometti Foundation in Paris holds the richest documentation on Giacometti’s production and the world’s largest collection of works by the artist, which permit a meticulous examination of the works in comparison with the originals and principal models. A whole range of non intrusive scientific analyses are conducted on each object: alloy analysis, X-rays, endoscopy, 3D scanning ; all data are collected to help further examinations. The experts benefit, whenever necessary, from the opinions of specialized conservators. The Giacometti Committee’s expertise and authentication methods have been recognized since 2004 throughout the world by all major auction houses, as well as by renowned dealers.
Since its creation, the Committee has examined 835 works, and issued 747 certificates of authenticity. It meets five times a year, but remains active all year round, keeping an eye out for counterfeits, forgeries and fakes.