Researching YourArt
Getting Started
It is hard to establish fixed values for antiques, artworks, and other collectible items. The amount asked or offered is determined by many factors, including the condition of the object, personal interests of both the seller and the purchaser, and trends in the market.
According to Smithsonian Institution policy, no staff member may offer monetary evaluations. However, the following guidelines should help you find an approximate value for your artwork.
First, consult price guides to determine current sale and auction prices. Some price guides are available on the Internet, but most come in books or offline formats. Specialized university or art museum libraries and larger public libraries often carry these guides. Price indexes are usually published annually and cover international auctions and galleries.
Price Guides
- ADEC: International Art Prices
- Art Sales Index
- Davenport’s Art Reference & Price Guide
- International Auction Records
- Leonard’s Annual Price Index of Art Auctions
For prints, check the following resources:
- Gordon’s Print Price Annual
- Contemporary Print Portfolio
- Lawrence’s Dealer Print Prices International
Appraisals & Appraisers
Consider finding an appraiser to determine the value of your artwork. Appraisers are trained specialists who work for a fee. They evaluate your piece and give you a written statement of its value. Although the following organizations do not provide appraisals themselves, they each publish a directory of their members. Always seek an appraiser with an expertise in the type of artwork you own.
American Society of Appraisers
11107 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 310
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 478-2228 or 1-800-ASA-VALU
www.appraisers.org
Appraisers Association of America
212 West 35th Street, 11th Floor South
New York, NY 10001
(212) 889-5404
www.appraisersassoc.org
International Society of Appraisers
303 West Madison Street, Suite 2650
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 981-6778
www.isa-appraisers.org
Auction Houses
Some auction houses host free “open house” days where visitors can bring in their artworks and have auction-house staff members share their expertise.
Other houses allow owners to mail their information with a photograph, and their experts will respond. To find an auction house in your area, search online for “fine art auction houses.”
As a seasoned art enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in researching and valuing artworks, I've spent years delving into the nuances of art history, provenance, and market trends. My expertise extends to various art forms, from paintings to prints, and I've honed my knowledge by navigating through extensive resources, including auction records, price guides, and appraisal directories.
When it comes to researching your art, the process involves multiple steps, each crucial in unraveling the story behind your piece and determining its value. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Researching Your Art - First Steps:
- Understanding the initial steps in researching your art, including the importance of considering factors like the object's condition, personal interests of the buyer and seller, and market trends.
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Biographical Resources:
- Exploring the artist's background and life can provide valuable context for understanding their work. Biographical resources may include books, articles, or online databases dedicated to artists' life stories.
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Signatures, Monograms, and Markings:
- Analyzing the artist's signature, monograms, or any distinctive markings on the artwork can be crucial for authentication and provenance.
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Exhibition Guides and Provenance:
- Investigating exhibition guides helps trace the history of the artwork's public displays, while provenance research involves tracking its ownership history. Both contribute to establishing authenticity and value.
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Encyclopedias and Surveys:
- Consulting art encyclopedias and surveys provides broader insights into art movements, styles, and the context in which the artist worked.
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How Much Is Your Object Worth?:
- Determining the value of your artwork involves consulting price guides, auction records, and considering the current market demand. Specialized indexes like ADEC and Leonard's Annual Price Index can be valuable resources.
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Research Prints or Find Posters:
- For prints, specific resources like Gordon's Print Price Annual and Lawrence's Dealer Print Prices can guide you in assessing their market value.
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International Appraisals & Appraisers:
- Seeking professional appraisal is crucial. Organizations like the American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, and International Society of Appraisers provide directories of qualified appraisers.
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Auction Houses:
- Auction houses play a significant role. Some offer "open house" days for on-site evaluations, while others allow owners to submit information online. Locating fine art auction houses in your area is essential for exploring potential selling avenues.
By combining these research methods and leveraging the mentioned resources, you can embark on a comprehensive journey to understand, authenticate, and value your art collection.
