Only an expert can give you an accurate value for your fine oil painting.
The lovely landscape that hangs above your mantel may provide you with hours of enjoyment, but there are good reasons to find out what it's worth in dollars and cents. If you are thinking of buying, selling or donating a painting, you will need to know its value. You will also need a financial assessment if you want to insure the painting or determine the value of an estate that includes the artwork. The best way to get an accurate valuation for an oil painting, whether it is the work of an old master or a struggling new artist, is to get the opinion of an expert.
Instructions
1. Determine the oil painting's provenance, or the historical record of its ownership and whereabouts. If you are the potential buyer, ask the seller for a written history, including a certificate of authenticity. If you already own the painting, contact the person who sold it or gave it to you, and gather as much information as you can.
2. Check your oil painting for defects, particularly tears in the canvas, faded colors or chipped paint. This kind of damage will decrease the value of your painting. On the other hand, if the painting is in its original frame, particularly if the frame was made by the painter of the canvas, this can add to its value.
3. Find a qualified appraiser, an expert on the style and period of the painting, and ask about fees before making an appointment. The Appraisers Association of America is an organization of professional appraisers who specialize in fine art. It has members throughout the U.S., and its online database will allow you to search by category and location.
4. Contact an auction house such as Christie's or Sotheby's if you think you have a very valuable oil painting. If you want to sell it, you can email a photo of the painting to these auction houses and they will give you a free estimate. This kind of assessment is speculative, so if you want a more accurate valuation, you will need to pay a fee for an appraiser from the auction house to evaluate the painting in person.
5. Seek a second opinion. Check with your local art museum, particularly if it has a large collection of paintings. If you think you have a work by a contemporary of Monet and your museum doesn't have any impressionist paintings on exhibit, find a museum that does.
