Frequently Asked Questions
The official ESPIGA Pinto Estate Shop offers a selected range of prints, works on paper, editions, publications and objects connected with the artist’s legacy.
Many works are rare, vintage or available only in very small numbers. The information below explains how they are presented, documented, packed and delivered.
Artworks and editions
Are the works reviewed by the Estate?
Yes. Every work offered through the official shop is reviewed by the ESPIGA Pinto Estate before being listed.
Works may come from the Espiga Family Collection or, occasionally, from selected private collections. Available information on title, date, medium, edition, signature, provenance and condition is provided with care. Where research is ongoing, certain details may be identified as approximate or subject to further confirmation.
Will I receive the exact print shown?
Not always.
Some images are representative and may not show the exact edition number or individual impression available. Small differences can occur between impressions, particularly in hand-printed editions, artist’s proofs and trial proofs.
The product description, edition details, invoice and any accompanying documentation identify the work being sold.
Is every print signed?
In general, yes. Please check the individual artwork description. Where a work is signed, dated, numbered, stamped or marked as an artist’s proof or trial proof, this will be stated on the product page.
What is an artist’s proof?
An artist’s proof is an impression made outside the main numbered edition and traditionally reserved for the artist.
It may be marked A/P, P.A., E.A. or with Roman numerals. Artist’s proofs form part of the history of an edition and often have a close connection with the artist’s working process.
What is a trial proof?
A trial proof is an impression made while a print is still being developed.
It may differ from the final edition in colour, paper, composition or printing technique, offering a particular insight into the artist’s process.
Will the work come with documentation?
The documentation included with a work will be stated on the product page or confirmed before purchase.
Depending on the item, this may include an invoice, Estate statement, provenance note, certificate or archive reference. Not every work is supplied with a separate certificate.
Does purchasing a work include copyright?
No. Purchasing a work transfers ownership of the physical object only.
Copyright, reproduction and publication rights remain with the relevant copyright
owners and are administered through DACS where applicable.
Condition and care
What condition will the work be in?
In order to be offered for sale, artwork conditions are always carefully examined. Many ESPIGA Pinto prints and works on paper are several decades old, so condition does vary from work to work.
General condition information is included in the product description where relevant. Additional photographs or a more detailed condition report may be requested before purchase.
Are signs of age normal?
Yes. Older works on paper may show characteristics such as light toning, handling marks, edge wear, foxing, minor creases or traces of previous mounting.
Material condition issues known to us will be described where relevant. Minor signs of age consistent with the work’s date, medium and history are not necessarily defects.
Can I request more images?
Yes. We can provide additional photographs of details such as the signature, edition number, paper edges, reverse, inscriptions, stamps or notable condition points.
How should I care for a work on paper?
Works on paper should be kept away from direct sunlight, humidity, heat and rapid changes in temperature.
We recommend professional framing with archival-quality materials and UV-filtering glazing. Handle unframed works as little as possible and avoid touching the printed surface.
Framing
Are the works framed?
Works are supplied unframed unless the product page states otherwise.
This allows each piece to be framed according to its scale, setting and conservation needs.
Can the Estate advise on framing?
Yes. We can offer general guidance on mounts, frame styles, glazing and conservation considerations.
For valuable or fragile works, we recommend consulting a professional framer or paper conservator who can inspect the work in person.
Is bespoke framing available?
Bespoke framing may be available as an additional service, depending on the artwork and delivery destination.
Certain made-to-measure or personalised framing services may not be eligible for cancellation or return. This will be made clear before the order is placed.
Orders and reservations
Can I reserve a work while I ask a question?
For rare or one-off works, a short reservation may sometimes be possible.
A reservation is valid only when confirmed by us in writing and will expire at the time stated in that confirmation. Until then, the work remains available for purchase.
Why do prices vary?
Prices may reflect rarity, date, medium, edition type, condition, dimensions, provenance and the work’s significance within ESPIGA Pinto’s wider oeuvre.
Artist’s proofs, trial proofs and scarce impressions may be priced differently from standard numbered editions.
Prices are not formal valuations or predictions of future resale value. The Estate Shop does not provide investment advice.
Shipping and delivery
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to selected international destinations.
Availability depends on the nature, size, value and condition of the work, as well as suitable carrier and insurance arrangements. Available destinations are normally shown at checkout.
How much does shipping cost?
Free standard shipping is available for most items to eligible destinations, as confirmed at checkout.
For deliveries outside the European Union, the recipient may be responsible for import VAT, customs duties or clearance charges unless these are expressly included at checkout.
How will the work be packed?
Each work is packed according to its size, medium, age and condition.
Depending on the artwork, it may be shipped in a reinforced tube, rigid flat package, box or specialist crate, using suitable protective and moisture-resistant materials.
Will the work be shipped flat or rolled?
This depends on the individual work.
Older, fragile or structurally sensitive sheets may require flat packing, while other works can be safely shipped in a protective tube.
Will I receive tracking information?
Where tracking is available, details will be sent after dispatch.
High-value deliveries may require a signature, proof of identity or delivery by appointment.
What should I do if the package arrives damaged?
Please photograph the unopened package before opening it and keep all external and internal packaging.
Contact us promptly at shop@espigapinto.com with your order number and photographs of the package, label, packing materials and artwork.
This helps us investigate the issue with the carrier and does not affect your statutory rights.
Returns and refunds
Can I return a work?
For eligible distance purchases, consumers with an applicable statutory right of withdrawal may notify us within 14 days of receiving the order.
The work must then be returned within a further 14 days, using suitable protective packaging.
Please contact us before sending any return so that we can provide appropriate packing instructions.
Who pays for return shipping?
For a change-of-mind return, the buyer normally bears the direct cost of return transport, including suitable packaging and insurance.
Where a work is damaged, incorrectly supplied or does not conform to the contract, different rules apply and we will bear the necessary return costs where required by law.
When will I receive my refund?
Eligible refunds are made within the legally required period.
We may wait until the returned work has arrived, or until proof of return has been provided, before issuing the refund.
Are bespoke or personalised orders returnable?
Certain goods made to your specifications or clearly personalised, including qualifying bespoke framing, may be excluded from the statutory right of withdrawal.
A work is not excluded simply because it is rare, vintage, signed, numbered or limited-edition.
Can sale or final-sale items be returned?
A discounted price or “final sale” label does not remove any mandatory consumer rights.
Final-sale products may be excluded from discretionary returns or Shopify’s self-service return system, but statutory withdrawal rights and rights relating to damaged, incorrect or non-conforming goods remain unaffected.
Collector enquiries
Do you consider works from private collections?
Yes. Collectors who own works attributed to ESPIGA Pinto may contact the Estate regarding possible review, consignment or resale.
Please include clear photographs, dimensions, medium, provenance information and any relevant documentation.
Submitting information does not oblige the Estate or Bishop & Melo, Lda. (who operates the shop) to authenticate, value, purchase, consign or list a work.
Contact
How can I contact the Estate Shop?
For artwork, order, shipping, return or collector enquiries:
Email: shop@espigapinto.com
Telephone: +351 235 094 024
These FAQs provide general guidance. Full terms are set out in our Terms of Service, Shipping Policy and Return and Refund Policy.
