Journal
How to prepare for a fine art appraisal
Papers help and gaps are normal. The inspection goes faster when the works can be seen and the purpose of the report is already named.
A fine art appraisal does not require a registrar archive. It requires access to the objects, a named purpose, and whatever paper exists.
Documents worth gathering
Purchase receipts, prior appraisals, exhibition catalogues, dealer correspondence, and conservation invoices. Photographs of the reverse of paintings help research start before the visit. Provenance is useful when it is documented.
What not to do
Works do not need to come off the wall unless that was agreed. They should not be restored for the appraisal. Restoration changes the object.
Purpose changes the intake
Insurance: ask the broker what the policy wants. Donation: the donee and the target date. Estate tax: the valuation date and counsel name. Equitable distribution: who is allowed in the room, and the date the values must speak to.