Before you contact an appraiser

Prepare your art-appraisal inquiry.

Print this worksheet and bring the artwork's details, available evidence and report purpose to your first conversation.

This is preparation, not an appraisal or an authentication certificate. Your artwork details and completed notes are not collected or submitted by this worksheet. Share completed notes only with your chosen provider.

You can also choose “Save as PDF” in your browser's print dialog. The blank lines below are for handwritten notes.

1. The report you need

Intended use and recipient — insurance, estate, donation, sale, property division or another purpose.

Deadline, number of works and inspection location

Ask the intended recipient what documentation they require. The appraiser should agree the type of value, effective date and scope with you; do not assume one report suits every purpose.

2. Describe the artwork

Artist or maker, title, medium, dimensions and edition marks

Condition, visible repairs and what is uncertain

Record a signature or attribution as it appears. A signed name alone does not establish authorship. Say “unknown” when the artist, date or medium is uncertain.

3. Gather evidence already available

• Clear front and safely accessible reverse photographs.
• Details of signatures, labels, edition numbers and visible condition.
• Purchase invoices, prior reports, exhibition records or correspondence.
• Known ownership history, with gaps and undocumented stories labeled.

Do not clean, alter or remove framing to complete the checklist. Tell the provider which details cannot safely be photographed. They may require an in-person inspection.

4. Agree the engagement before booking

• Does your experience cover this artist, medium or type of collection?
• What inspection, research and report format does this assignment require?
• What credentials and recipient requirements should we confirm?
• What is included in the fee, and are travel or extra research charged separately?
• What is the delivery schedule, and what records do you need from me?

Provider and agreed next step

Choose a shortlist from the source-reviewed provider comparison or browse by city.