How to Get Your Art Appraised in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide with Expert Insights
- Keith Jennings
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Wondering how to get your art appraised? This step-by-step guide explains what to expect and how to find the right expert.
Whether you’ve inherited a painting, purchased a piece at an estate sale, or have been collecting artwork for years, it’s natural to wonder: What is this actually worth?
Art carries both emotional and financial value, and having it appraised is about more than assigning a number. A professional appraisal provides context, documentation, and market insight—whether you're seeking insurance coverage, planning an estate, selling a piece, or simply satisfying your curiosity.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of getting an art appraisal and answers common questions to help you make informed decisions along the way.
Jump Ahead
Steps to Get Your Art Appraised
Step 1: Gather Key Information About the Piece
Before reaching out to an appraiser, take time to document everything you already know about the artwork.
Start by collecting the following:
The artist’s name (if known) or a clear photo of the signature
The title of the work (if available)
The medium (e.g., oil, watercolor, print, mixed media)
Dimensions (including frame, if relevant)
Visible markings, inscriptions, gallery stickers, or labels
Any provenance information: past owners, purchase receipts, exhibition history
Clear, well-lit photographs of the artwork (front, back, close-ups of signatures or labels)
This information can help your appraiser begin their research with a strong foundation, especially if the artist or piece is lesser-known.
Step 2: Consider the Purpose of the Appraisal
Before commissioning an appraisal, clarify why you need it. This will determine both the type of valuation and the format of the report.
Common appraisal purposes include:
Insurance coverage or claims
Estate planning or settlement
Charitable donation for tax purposes
Resale or consignment
Equitable distribution (e.g., divorce or inheritance)
Personal knowledge or curiosity
The same artwork might receive different appraised values depending on the purpose. For example, the replacement value for insurance will likely be higher than its fair market value.
Step 3: Choose the Right Appraiser
Not all appraisers are equally qualified. Choose someone who has experience with your type of artwork and who adheres to professional standards.
Look for an appraiser who:
Has relevant expertise in fine art and/or antiques
Is familiar with current and historical art markets
Complies with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)
Has experience preparing reports for your specific appraisal need (e.g., IRS-compliant donations, insurance claims, etc.)
Offers both verbal consultations and formal written reports
An appraiser who has real-world experience selling art and antiques will often bring valuable market knowledge to their valuation, something purely academic evaluators may not offer.
Step 4: Understand the Different Types of Appraisals
There’s more than one way to appraise a work of art. Your needs will determine the most appropriate format and approach. A professional appraiser should help you understand which kind is right for you.
Fair Market Value (FMV)
Fair market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market. It’s typically used for:
Estate tax purposes
Charitable donations
Dividing property in a legal context (e.g., divorce)
Replacement Value
This is the cost of replacing the artwork with a similar piece at current retail prices. This type of appraisal is commonly used for:
Insurance coverage
Claims related to loss or damage
Auction or Liquidation Value
This represents the amount the artwork might fetch in a quick sale or auction setting. It’s typically lower than FMV or replacement value and is often used for:
Estate sales
Business dissolutions
Fast consignment scenarios
Verbal Appraisal (Informal Opinion)
An off-the-record, informal estimate. This can be helpful if you're curious about the value or deciding whether an artwork is worth insuring, selling, or donating. However, it cannot be used for legal, insurance, or tax purposes.
Written Appraisal Report
A formal, comprehensive document that includes photographs, descriptions, market analysis, and a clearly stated value. This report is appropriate for:
Legal documentation
IRS submissions
Insurance policies and claims
Estate planning
Step 5: Prepare for the Appraisal Appointment
Once you’ve selected your appraiser and clarified the purpose of your appraisal, make it easy for them to work efficiently by:
Providing all available documentation
Offering access to the artwork in a well-lit, stable environment
Sharing your goals or concerns related to the piece (e.g., potential sale, donation, or long-term storage)
Typically, an appraiser will need to see a piece in person to truly appraise it. Anyone suggesting otherwise is likely not a true professional.
How do appraisers determine value?
Appraisers evaluate artwork based on several key factors:
Artist identity and career trajectory
Medium, subject matter, and size
Condition and quality of materials
Provenance and documentation
Market demand and trends
Comparable sales from auctions, galleries, and private transactions
No single data point determines a piece’s value—experienced appraisers synthesize multiple sources to support their conclusions.
What if the artist is unknown or unsigned?
An unknown or unsigned work can still carry value. Appraisers will assess:
Craftsmanship and materials
Style and subject matter
Age and historical significance
Market trends for similar works
Even without an artist attribution, the piece may have decorative, collectible, or historical value worth documenting—especially in estate or insurance contexts.
Can I use online tools to appraise my art?
Online price databases and forums may offer general context, but they’re no substitute for professional appraisal. Sale listings can be misleading, and many values online are unverified.
Only a trained appraiser can properly assess condition, authenticity, and relevant comparables to arrive at a reliable value.
What should a written appraisal include?
A credible written appraisal should contain:
A detailed description of the artwork (including medium, size, condition)
Photographs of the work, signature, and any relevant labels or stamps
A clear statement of value (FMV, replacement, etc.)
The intended purpose of the appraisal
Market analysis and comparable sales data
The appraiser’s qualifications and signature
Appraisals used for tax, estate, or insurance purposes must also meet USPAP standards.
How much does an appraisal cost?
Fees vary depending on the complexity and number of items involved. Most professional appraisers charge:
Hourly rates
Flat fees per item
Project-based fees for large collections
Appraisers should never charge based on a percentage of the item’s value. This is considered unethical and may invalidate the appraisal in legal or financial contexts.
Conclusion: When Accuracy and Credibility Matter, Work with a Professional
An art appraisal is about understanding context, authenticity, and where your piece fits in the broader market. While it’s helpful to start with your own research, a qualified appraiser brings the expertise, resources, and objectivity necessary to deliver meaningful and legally reliable results.
Whether you're looking to insure a family heirloom, settle an estate, donate to a museum, or prepare for a sale, a professional appraisal is your best tool for making informed, confident decisions.
Need a Professional Appraisal?
We offer both informal verbal assessments and formal written appraisals tailored to your needs. With decades of experience in appraising and selling fine art and antiques, we provide valuations you can trust.
Contact us today to schedule your appraisal or learn more about our fine art appraisal services.
