What to do before
consulting an art appraiser about the value of a work of art.
There are six questions an appraiser will ask you about the
work of art you are having appraised:
1.
Why? What
is the purpose
of the appraisal? An appraisal for insurance,
donation, estate settlement, resale, or just curiosity.
2. What? Type of object are you having
appraised? Is it a painting, sculpture,
drawing or print? Sometimes you may not know exactly what type of object you
have. Prints are especially hard to
determine, if the work is under glass.
3. Who? Any information about the
artist or maker and the date of the piece Check the painting for dates or the
painter's signature. Look near the lower right hand of the painting on older
paintings or on the back of a work by a modern artist.
4.
Where? where it was purchased and if
you are the owner? Often times, a client
may have a work of art from a family estate. Do a little research of your
own. Is there a family story that goes
with the artwork? Any information you
have about the work of art may be important.
5. How? How much is an appraisal going to cost? The cost of an appraisal depends upon your
purpose for the appraisal. Fees may
range from $25.00 - $300. If you are
curious about an artwork you own, and are thinking about selling, a limited
appraisal would be the way to go.
Appraisals for insurance, donation or estate settlement are legal
documents, and require extensive research and documentation.