Individuals and firms providing appraisal services of your works of art

First and foremost, it is important for you to determine the finality of your assessment.  Indeed, the finalities can be multiple and in the end, the steps to take very different: Succession? Insurance? Distribution of wealth? Evaluation for donation? Divorce? Assessment of the market value prior to a sale or purchase?

Depending on the purpose that is yours and of course the potential value of the artworks involved, you will use different professionals.

The evaluation for the purpose of insuring works of an embryonic collection can be made by an experienced gallerist and at a quite affordable cost. Obviously, the higher the stakes, the greater the use of dedicated professionals will be required. In the case of a collection of importance, it is likely that you will be required that your estimation is the result of a qualified appraiser member of a recognized professional association.

For a succinct evaluation of the market value of your work, see our page "Individuals and companies offering to produce an estimate of the market value of your works of art after the submission of an online summary dossier".

Remember:

• Most companies in the insurance industry require a minimum assessment of $ 30,000 as the threshold for entry. This assessment should be performed by a competent person, often accredited to do so by the insurance company.
• The main accreditations societies for professional evaluators publish a directory of their members. This is the case of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) including a Canadian Chapter, The American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA)  and the Association of Online Appraisers (AOA) in the US and in Canada the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers  (CAPPA) and the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG).   In France, two (2) organizations are doing the job: Compagnie nationale des experts en œuvres d’art (CNE) et le Syndicat français des experts professionnels en œuvres d’art et objets de collection (SFEP).
• The Appraisers Association of America has published a guide "Elements of a Correctly Prepared Appraisal" identifying the main items that should be part of a well done evaluation report.   See also: Questions to Ask When Hiring an Appraiser.
• The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) of The Appraisal Foundation are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America.  USPAP contains standards for all types of appraisal services.  Standards are included for real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal.
• The Clarion List provides a list of individuals and enterprise active in appraising in the New York area.
• Mearto, a European evaluation firm, in addition to offering the service, maintains an up-to-date directory of individuals and companies of interest active in evaluation in most countries of the world.

Texts of interest:

• Interview with Heidi Lee-Komaromi of HLK Art Group: Understanding Pricing and Appraisals in Art.  TANG Art Advisory, October 11, 2018.
• The Art of Appraising Art: Answers to the most wanted FAQ.  Lot-Art, November 14, 2017.
• Cao, Sissi.  America’s No. 1 Art Advisor Unveils Secrets of Art Valuation and Investing.  Observer,  May 21, 2019.
• How is an artwork appraised?  Christies.  March 31, 2020.