I don't know how pricey it might be, but the International Foundation for
Art Research might be worth contacting:

        500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1234
        New York NY 10110
        (v) 212 391-6234
        (f) 212 391-8794


At 12:19 AM 6/3/97 -0800, you wrote:
>    A local collector has come into the possession of an oil on canvas,
>20x24, painting by V. Shamberk.  Probably European.  Old.  (How old?
>hard to tell.)  plaster gilt frame.  Looks kind of like a Vermeer - maybe
>a student or a 19th century study.  Not listed in Thieme Becker, Benezit,
>Mallett, Melton Art Ref (24,000 artists).  Any ideas?
>     Diane Brenner, Anchorage Museum
>     [log in to unmask]
>
>