Have your antique painting appraised to find out if you're harboring a treasure.
Antique paintings grow in value based on the opinion of art experts and appraisers. Determining the exact value of a prized painting requires that the painting undergo the rigorous process of appraisal. An appraisal is conducted by a professional appraiser whose job is to find the exact value of your treasured painting. Finding the right appraiser and knowing what the expect from the process will make the experience proceed most efficiently.
Instructions
1. Contact your local art gallery or art dealership and inquire about their appraisal procedures. An art gallery typically calls in an appraiser once a month and makes their services available to the public for a fee. However, these appraisers will only tell you the potential value of the art piece and won't write an appraisal certificate.
2. Find a professional appraiser by searching through the Appraiser's Association of America's website. Search by city and state to find the appraiser nearest to your home.
3. Gather important information before contacting the professional appraiser such as the purpose of the appraisal (insurance, sale, donation), any information you have about the artist, date of the piece, when and where it was purchased or how it came into your possession, and a digital photograph of the painting.
4. Contact the professional appraiser to discuss fees and an appraisal timeline and to set an appointment time and date. Ask the appraiser to provide you with an information package detailing her qualifications and specialty.
5. Meet with the appraiser and show her the art piece in person so she can examine it in full detail. Professional artists often leave identification markings such as water marks or touchstone details in the frame work to authenticate their work.
6. Receive an appraisal certificate for the antique painting and decide whether you need to insure it or want to sell it. Discuss current market trends with the appraiser to help make your decision about selling the painting easier.
