Why Buying a Sculpture by Lucio Oliveri Directly from the Artist Is the Only Safe Choice (and How to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Auctions)

In recent months, numerous online listings and auction pages have appeared offering sculptures attributed to Lucio Oliveri at unrealistic prices, with unofficial photos, incomplete descriptions and, in some cases, outright forgeries.
These practices create confusion, damage the market and, above all, put collectors at risk.

In this article we explain how to recognise the pitfalls, why buying a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri directly from the artist guarantees authenticity and value, and what to do if you suspect auction fraud.

1. Why online auctions can be risky for anyone seeking valuable sculptures

Online auctions are a complex world. When it comes to art sculptures, the risks increase:

a) Unrealistic or outdated prices

Many platforms show works attributed to Oliveri with artificially low starting prices.
This happens for two reasons:

1. Lack of information about the true market value.
2. Non-specialist sellers who do not verify authenticity.

The result: the public comes to believe that Oliveri's sculptures are “worth less”, harming both the market and collectors themselves.

b) Non-original or misleading photographs

Many auctions use:

• poorly taken photos,
• images lifted from the internet,
• photos of similar but non-original works.

Without official photos from Lucio Oliveri's studio, it is impossible to assess a sculpture properly.

c) Unclear provenance (the greatest risk)

A sculpture without:

• an original certificate,
• a verified signature,
• documented provenance,
• a casting number (for bronzes),

may be inauthentic, or even an unauthorised copy.

d) Fraud and unauthorised auctions

Listings involving “auction fraud” are increasingly common, meaning auctions that:

• sell inauthentic works,
• attribute to Oliveri works that are not his,
• alter prices and descriptions,
• offer damaged sculptures without disclosing it.

2. Buying a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri: why go straight to the source

a) 100% guaranteed authenticity

The only official channel to:

• buy a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri,
• commission a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri,
• request certificates, original photos and provenance information,

is the artist's studio.

Every original work is sold with:

• a signed certificate,
• an official photograph,
• documentation of the alloy used,
• a casting number (for bronze works),
• a date and technical note from the artist.

b) A real price set by the artist

Auctions may show random or outdated prices that do not reflect current market value.

Buying directly lets you know:

• the up-to-date value,
• which sizes are available,
• the remaining editions,
• any special editions.

c) The option of a made-to-measure sculpture

Buyers and collectors can commission a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri tailored to them:

• different sizes
• patina variations
• special versions
• unique projects for homes, hotels or design studios

This option does not exist at auction.

d) Protecting the value of your investment

A work certified directly by the artist:

• holds its value over time,
• can be insured,
• is easy to resell,
• can be included in official catalogues and exhibitions.

An uncertain or inauthentic purchase, on the other hand, has no market.

3. How to spot an unreliable auction (checklist)

Before trusting an auction, check:

• ❌ A price too low to be realistic
• ❌ No original Lucio Oliveri certificate
• ❌ Anonymous photos or photos lacking detail
• ❌ No information on provenance
• ❌ No casting number
• ❌ A vague description (“sculpture in the style of Oliveri”)
• ❌ A seller with no history or reviews
• ❌ A suspicious URL or a poorly built website

If even one of these points seems doubtful → do not buy.

4. What to do if you bought a sculpture at a suspicious auction

If, after the purchase, you realise that:

• the certificate is not authentic,
• the sculpture is not the right one,
• the price was manipulated,
• the work does not match the published photos,

you can take the following steps:

1. Contact the seller immediately and ask for clarification.
2. Request a refund if essential information was not disclosed.
3. Contact Lucio Oliveri's studio for an authenticity check.
4. Report the auction to the platform as fraudulent.
5. If necessary, consult a lawyer specialising in art.

5. The only safe channel for buying a sculpture by Lucio Oliveri

For official information, purchases or custom commissions, you can contact the artist's studio directly.

Why buying directly is essential:

• certified authenticity
• guaranteed value
• complete documentation
• a direct relationship with the artist
• the option of bespoke commissions
• no risk of fraud or misleading auctions

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