Getting Fine Art Appraised

ng for the Appraiser's Exam• Condition, especially if you are not sure if the
• Locate all items in advance of the appraiser'sitem has enough value to warrant an appraisal.
arrival and make them accessible.State why you need the appraisal.
• Share pertinent records about when andThe same item can have a different value
where items were purchased, including theirdepending on the purpose of the valuation.
receipts. Receipts often have a painting’sAppraisers ask why you need an appraisal
title, which may or may not appear on the backdocument because they want to investigate value
of the frame or on an attached plaque. Art worksfor the appropriate market. Imagine that you are
without a title may be determined if the artist isbuying this item instead of having it appraised.
still living. Unfortunately, some artist’s doWould you expect to pay the same price for the
not remember titles or record them in aitem at a flea market or at an estate sale as you
permanent ledger. Not all art bears the date orwould in a high-end antique shop or art gallery?
dates it was completed. The date of the receiptDifferent purposes mandate different markets,
could assist in dating the artwork. The goal is towhich translates to correspondingly different value
create as complete a record about the artworklevels.
as possible. Don't slow the process down orIdentify the timeframe needed for the appraisal
create an opportunity for the document to bedocument's completion.
less complete by holding back information.Is this a rush job? If there are 200 items and
• Allocate enough time for the appraiser toyour moving van will arrive in less than 60 days,
carry out the inspection and the photography.this is a rush job. Also, the appraiser may have
Appraiser's typically need about 15 minutes antoo many active assignments to meet your
item for both activities. While the appraiser oftendesired timeframe. If this is the case, the
enjoys visiting with clients, he or she must focusappraiser may redirect you to someone else who
on the task at hand in order to not take additionalcan fit your appraisal into his or her schedule.
time or overlook pertinent information.Identify if there are special conditions for
Discussing Value With a Prospective Appraiserexamining your artworks.
Identify what you need to have appraised byFor example, does the appraiser need to bring a
providing the following information:ladder? Will the appraiser need to wade into a pool
• Artist's first and last nameto examine a sculpture? Will the appraiser need to
• Medium such as bronze, painting, or printwear washable clothing?