How to Get an Art Appraisal
/How much is this artwork worth?
Jenness Cortez, The Trailblazers, 2014, Acrylic on panel, Gift of Ms. Jenness Cortez and Mr. Leonard Perlmutter, made possible by Harmon-Meek Gallery, FSC Permanent Collection FP.2017.6
This is a common question many people have about art they own or have in their possession. We are all often eager to know the relative value of personal artifacts, even if we cherish them for qualities that go far beyond their monetary “worth.”
If you find yourself asking this question, the first consideration to think about is why you want to know the value of the artwork. How do you plan to use this information? Are you interested in insuring an object that you own? Are you interested in selling or donating the artwork? Are you just curious? The answer to this question will help determine if you should talk to an appraiser.
If you plan to keep the artwork and are curious about its value, consider if you are truly willing to pay for an appraisal. The cost of an appraisal varies with the appraiser but realize that a lot of time, effort, and expertise goes into each appraisal. Make sure that it is something you are willing to pay for before you contact an appraiser.
If you plan to sell the artwork, you should consider contacting an auction house. The auction house will perform appraisals for artworks to be sold through their own auctions.
If you plan to insure the artwork or make a charitable donation for tax purposes, you should make an appointment with an appraiser.
What is an appraiser?
An appraiser is a professional with the expertise and credentials needed to evaluate property. It is important to note that an appraiser is not the same as an authenticator; in other words, an appraiser may not be able to tell you if a painting you own is a real Picasso painting. For such an authentication of authorship, you are better off contacting the artist’s foundation, estate, or the gallery that represents that artist.
Can the Polk Museum appraise artwork for me?
The Polk Museum of Art does not have an appraiser on staff and is unable to provide values of objects or give references to specific appraisers due to ethical considerations and potential conflicts of interest.
How do I find a reputable appraiser?
There are no generally recognized governmental licensing procedures for appraisers and no objective test to cite as a basis for judging competence, so it is difficult to guarantee the quality of an appraiser. The Museum encourages you to research and compare several appraisers based on their education, resumes, and references, and to find the best appraiser for you. Appraisers are not all created equal (nor all trained as expertly on certain subjects as others), so make sure you put in a little effort and find a good appraiser who fits your needs.
The following organizations can help you find a qualified appraiser in your area:
Post prepared by Loren Hicks, Collections Manager & Registrar