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Ritchie Sinclair | Thunderbird School of Art | Canada

contact@ritchiesinclair.com
Norval Morrisseau Legal
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Norval Morrisseau Art Authentications

Certificates | Interpretations

Original Paintings | Estimated

Verification

Ritchie Sinclair is truly an expert in Norval Morrisseau’s Art. His authentication service offers peace of mind and adds value to genuine Morrisseau artworks. As a former protégé of Morrisseau, Ritchie spent years painting side-by-side with his mentor and has studied Morrisseau’s art in-depth, including identifying forgeries. He has appeared in court numerous times to defend Morrisseau’s name and artwork and played a significant role in ending the mass production of Morrisseau forgeries. Sinclair is considered the go-to person for Morrisseau art authentication by other experts.

To have your Morrisseau artwork assessed simply upload images of your art and provide details about the provenance of your piece. According to your artwork’s size and type, pay a nominal fee online. In return you will be provided a signed Certificate of Authenticity for your Morrisseau art, or an assessment that your art is unverifiable at this time or illegitimate.

Forgery Production | Estimated

Signed Print Certificate
Signed Print Certificate
Morrisseau Painting Authentication | Interpretation
Morrisseau Painting Authentication | Interpretation



    After uploading your images use this dropdown menu to Order your Certificate. Choose the option that best fits the size and type of your artwork. Prints: $60-$100 / Paintings: $180-$380 usd.  Please allow 72 hours for the assessment and preparation of your Certificate.

    • Just want to say thank you for all the information you have provided throughout this process. Not only am I grateful to have these paintings authenticated by a protégé of Norval, but also to hear brief stories and knowledge that comes with these pieces. The symbolism involved in woodland art is part of what drives my passion, whether it be a simple piece or a complex one, the story it’s able to provide is like no other. Feel free to use my words, couldn’t be more pleased with this experience.
      B. Arabia | Thunder Bay
    • I was very concerned about the authenticity of two Norval Morrisseau paintings that I had purchased almost 30 years ago. I reached out to Ritchie after seeing him in the documentary and to my pleasant surprise, he answered my email promptly. I felt secure in his ability to spot a fake Morrisseau because of the time spent with Norval and that he has been active in trying to clean up the mess left by others over the years, much to his own detriment. I received his certificates of authentication and now feel much better when I look at these two lovely pieces, not having to wonder about them being real or not. Thank you Ritchie for providing great service!
      A. Lankester
    • I appreciate your research on and the authentication process for my painting. The appraisal was detailed and professional. Definitely recommend your services.
      S Dyment
    Unique Norval Morrisseau Art Expertise

    My name is Ritchie Sinclair. I’ve been involved in the art world for most of my life. My passion for art began at a very young age. Over the years I developed both as an artist and also as an expert in Norval Morrisseau’s art.

    Sinclair and Morrisseau in 1997

    Sinclair and Morrisseau in 1997

    Morrisseau was not only my mentor and teacher, he was also a close friend and confidant. Beginning in 1979 we worked together at the Thunderbird School, as detailed in a 1994 artist’s statement where he acknowledges my apprenticeship and authority to teach. I was also initiated in a public Beardance ceremony held by Morrisseau in 1997, which was a moment of great respect and honour for me.

    Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of attending exhibitions and ceremonies with Morrisseau, including the opening of the 2006 “Shaman Artist” exhibition at the National Gallery in Ottawa. I also operate several important Morrisseau websites, including Morrisseau.com, NorvalMorrisseauLegal.com, and the premier Morrisseau Facebook and YouTube profiles.

    Ritchie Sinclair on CTV National | 2014

    Ritchie Sinclair on CTV National | 2014

    One of my proudest achievements was in publicly identifying 1018 fake Morrisseau paintings in 2008, when the idea of doing so wasn’t popular. I have represented myself in multiple lawsuits defending Morrisseau’s art, and was able to win the first victory that identified an alleged Morrisseau painting as a fake. I have also verified and authenticated Morrisseau art for some of Canada’s leading galleries.

    As a public speaker and teacher, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of students about Morrisseau and Woodland School art. I’ve also enjoyed direct relationships with many owners of galleries that were involved with Morrisseau and his art, including Jack Pollock, Albert Volpe, Ilona Nagy, Don Robinson, Joe McLeod, Bryant Ross, and many others.

    I am neither a collector nor a retailer of Morrisseau’s art. I remain fully independent and in good standing with major players in the Morrisseau art world, including the Morrisseau Estate. I am honored that other experts turn to me for guidance, and I strive to maintain the gold standard when it comes to Morrisseau art authenticity. Above all, I am dedicated to preserving Morrisseau’s legacy and standing up for his art, even when it is tough to do so.

    “The defendant was referred to by counsel in their submissions both as Ritchie Sinclair and Stardreamer. The defendant describes himself as the “artistic apprentice” of Norval Morrisseau. Consistent with the allusion to which I have already referred, the defendant expresses a concern that: “Many of the works that are attributed to Norval Morrisseau however, are in fact counterfeit, and have been produced solely for the purposes of capitalizing off of Norval Morrisseau’s fame and market value”. It seems, from the record, that the defendant has made it his personal concern to identify, uncover, make known and even publicize works said to be those of Norval Morrisseau which he believes are false. In his affidavit, he says: I have no interest in identifying counterfeit Morrisseau paintings other than to perform a public service and to assist in protecting the legacy of one of Canada’s foremost artists.”

    Lederer J.

    From the Judgment of December 8, 2008
    McLeod et al v Sinclair | CV-08-00366828 | The Ontario Superior Court of Justice

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