Due Diligence in a Market Rich with History—and Complexity The Russian art market is one of the most intriguing—and most carefully scrutinized—in the world. With masterpieces from artists like Malevich, Kandinsky, and Kljun commanding millions, provenance is not just a formality: it’s a necessity. So, how do seasoned collectors verify that a work is the real thing? 1. Start with Documentation, Not Assumptions A serious seller provides a chain of ownership. This includes previous auction records, gallery sales, exhibition catalogs, and references in scholarly publications. If the paperwork starts after 1990, be cautious—many fakes emerged during the Soviet art “rediscovery” wave. 2. Check for Expert Attributions and Catalogues Raisonnés Reputable…