The Certificate of Authenticity Explained
Behind every serious artwork is a question collectors quietly ask: how do I know it's real, and how do I prove it later? The certificate of authenticity exists to answer that question. Every original painting by Diego Palencia ships with one — a document that records the work as a unique, hand-made piece created in his Guatemala City studio.
A certificate of authenticity, often called a COA, is more than paperwork. Together with the artist's signature on the canvas, it establishes a work's identity and provenance: confirmation that this is an original, not a print or reproduction, and that it came directly from the artist. For collectors, that documentation is part of what gives a painting its lasting standing.
This page explains what the certificate confirms, why it matters when you collect, and how it accompanies every original from the studio. If you have questions about the COA for a specific piece, reach out through the contact page — and when you're ready, explore the gallery to find a work to call your own.
What the certificate confirms
A certificate of authenticity is the document that affirms a painting is a genuine, original work by the artist. For Diego's pieces, it records the work as a one-of-a-kind acrylic on canvas — not a print, edition, or reproduction — created in his Guatemala City studio. Paired with Diego's signature on the canvas itself, the certificate ties a specific painting to its maker, establishing both authenticity and provenance. In practical terms, it's the formal confirmation of what you're acquiring: a unique object with a clear origin. Every original from the studio includes this certificate, so the assurance is built into your acquisition rather than something you have to request.
Why it matters for collectors
Authenticity is the foundation of an artwork's meaning and standing, and the certificate is how that authenticity is documented. For collectors, a COA provides confidence at the point of purchase and clarity over time — a record of provenance that travels with the work. Whether you're acquiring your first original or building a considered collection, that documentation matters: it distinguishes a genuine, signed original from mere decoration, and it preserves the work's identity for the future. It's part of why collecting an original feels different from buying a print. With every Diego Palencia painting, the certificate is included as standard, reflecting the studio's commitment to treating each piece as the singular work it is.
Included with every original
You don't have to ask for it — the certificate of authenticity accompanies every original painting from the studio, traveling with the work when it ships worldwide. So when your piece arrives, fully insured and carefully packaged, its certificate arrives with it, confirming the painting as a unique original from Diego's hand. This is part of a larger promise to collectors: every work is original, signed, certified, and shipped with care, anywhere in the world. To see the works available now, explore the gallery, or reach out through the contact page with any questions about the certificate or a specific piece. Acquiring an original should come with complete confidence — and the COA is part of that.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a certificate of authenticity?
- A certificate of authenticity, or COA, is a document that affirms a painting is a genuine original by the artist. For Diego Palencia's work, it records the piece as a one-of-a-kind acrylic on canvas — not a print or reproduction — created in his Guatemala City studio, establishing both authenticity and provenance alongside his signature on the canvas.
- Does every painting come with one?
- Yes. Every original painting from the studio includes a certificate of authenticity as standard — you don't have to request it. The certificate travels with the work when it ships worldwide, so it arrives with your painting, confirming the piece as a unique original from Diego's hand from the moment it reaches you.
- Why does the certificate matter to collectors?
- Authenticity is the foundation of an artwork's meaning and standing, and the COA documents it. It gives collectors confidence at purchase and a record of provenance that travels with the work over time, distinguishing a genuine signed original from mere decoration. Whether it's your first piece or part of a collection, that assurance matters.
- How does the certificate connect to the painting?
- The certificate records the work as a unique piece, and Diego's signature appears on the canvas itself. Together, the signature and certificate tie a specific painting to its maker, establishing authenticity and provenance. This pairing confirms exactly what you own — a singular original with a clear origin from the Guatemala City studio.
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