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  • gerard van weyenbergh

What is an art appraisal

Updated: Jul 9, 2020

An art appraisal documentation includes

1/ description of the artwork itself including sizes, annotations, signature, title, and location eventually with a condition report ( essential elements of the state of conservation)

2/ biography of the artist

3/ auction records referring to the to appraise artwork

4/ general assessment of authenticity,

5/comparison with other works by the artist in the same period or of the same style

6/ it will include fair market value and a replacement value. We will explain later in this blog the difference between the two.

We only propose a fee for an art appraisal or estimation, evaluation after reviewing the artwork, and only if the value of the artwork justifies the expenses for an art appraisal.

We don't make any art appraisal if we doubt the authenticity. We make all art appraisals following the American Society of Appraisers, guidelines, and standards, as well as the instructions of the American Appraisers Association, the American Society Of Certified Appraisers, and all major appraiser associations


We apply the codes and ethics of these associations to our services. We also offer a more comprehensive version of the art appraisal service for collectors who require a written report. The information provided could be as relatively simple as determining the maker of a specific item or, where that is practically impossible to determine, the school, workshop, or manufacturer from which it emanates. Or it could be as relatively complex as providing identity, coupled with original use, place of origin, and social context and historical significance. We charge a fee for art appraisal upon the time we spend. Materials and the cost to completion of the report will vary according to the complexity of the assignment. Usually, this service requires seeing the item (s) in person. Having considered the information you submit, we will be able to give you a total cost estimate before beginning the assignment. You can then decide whether or not you want to commit.




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