Get an Appraisal Before Buying Art
The high price of art makes research and critical analysis important for any buyer. Your knowledge of art history and artistic techniques may be extensive, but you may not be able to determine the quality of art before buying. You should arrange for an appraisal of art before you make a purchase to get the most out of your investment.
Instructions
1. Schedule time with a faculty member from the art department at your local college to get appraisal services. Art professors typically have experience in curating and collecting art that makes them ideal appraisers.
2. Consult with your homeowners' insurance agent to find a list of approved appraisers before you buy art. Insurance companies locate licensed professionals for art appraisal to help policy holders determine the total value of art in case of future claims.
3. Learn the year and place of origin for a particular piece of art as you prepare to make a purchase. Professional appraisers can look at the materials used in a painting to assess its age. Older paintings with rare materials are expensive, but offer a unique investment opportunity.
4. Work with your appraiser to find distinguishing features before buying art. Artist signatures, dates and special marks in the background of a painting offer authentication for collectors and future buyers.
5. Request a biographical sketch of little known artists from your appraiser before you get a piece of art. Appraisers can access artist databases, publications and other resources unavailable to the general public to help determine the background of an artist.
6. Speak with an art appraiser before an appraisal to find out the current strength of the art market. Your appraiser can let you know if buying art in a particular medium and period is a good investment, given gallery sales numbers and auction prices.
7. Conduct independent research on sales prices and auction prices for pieces of art that interest you. You should narrow your research to a specific artist and period of art to help determine the value of an art investment before you work with an appraiser.
