An art appraiser determines the value of artwork, but not its authenticity. They may take pictures and measurements, and provide detailed descriptions for documentation purposes. Appraisers may belong to professional organizations and focus on specific types or eras of art. The documentation produced may vary depending on the reason for the assessment.
An art appraiser examines works of art to determine their value. This is not an authentication to determine whether the artwork is original; it may be necessary to work with an authenticator and an evaluator. There are several reasons to request an art appraisal, including preparing for auction or sale, documenting information for insurance purposes, or preparing to distribute an estate or divorce settlement. Many evaluators belong to professional organizations that set standards for their members and provide a membership search function for the public that needs their services.
When clients approach an art appraiser, the appraiser may conduct a brief interview to gain insight into the background of the piece. If an authenticator has examined the artwork, the valuer may request this documentation, along with the results of previous evaluations, if any. All this material will support the final evaluation.
On a detailed inspection, the art appraiser may take pictures, measure the art, and describe it for documentation purposes. Descriptions discuss materials used, working conditions, and general appearance. They can be useful not only to show that the reviewer has reviewed the work, but also for documentation; in the event that art is stolen, for example, detailed descriptions of flaws and other unique findings can help owners prove that a piece is theirs.
After the examination, the art appraiser can come up with a rough estimate and may conduct some research to confirm it. This may include reviewing existing documentation. Appraisers tend to focus on a specific type or era of art and have a large library of experiences and references to draw on. For example, an art appraiser may have experience with American art produced after 1900. This person may not be able to accurately appraise a Renaissance painting, but they can look at photographs from the 1930s and provide information about their value and quality. .
The nature of the documentation produced may depend on the reason for the assessment. Insurance companies may ask an art appraiser to use their standardized forms or answer a series of questions about the job. Auction houses and agents who put art up for sale may have their own paperwork, along with the requirement that the work be authenticated. Authentication may include documentation of provenance to confirm that the owner has free and clear title and right to sell.
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