Appraisals of antiques and works of art
Every work of “art or item – whether ancient, modern or contemporary – may hold a story that deserves to be known and a value not always immediately recognizable. An appraisal helps you better understand the” object in your hands and distinguish what has a documentable market value from what, despite having family or historical significance, does not possess a relevant economic value.
When an appraisal is useful
Requesting an appraisal for artworks, collectibles, or antiques can be beneficial in many situations. It can be useful, for example, for buying and selling them. per avere una quantificazione precisa e imparziale del loro valore. Oppure per affrontare una divisione ereditaria and objectively document the characteristics and value of the assets involved in the inheritance. But it is also useful for updating an insurance policy, obtaining compensation in case of damage or exporting works and objects in compliance with specific regulations, such as CITES practices..
In all these situations, a professional appraisal is essential to make informed decisions and protect yourself from possible errors or underestimations.
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is a technical document with legal value, drawn up by a professional expert in art and antiques, which precisely describes the characteristics of a work or object and its state of conservation, reconstructs its provenance and era, and determines its authenticity and value.
A sworn appraisal is one in which the appraiser assumes legal responsibility by signing the document before a public official.
Instead, we speak of a sworn appraisal when the expert assumes legal responsibility and confirms the truthfulness of the content by taking an oath before a public official.
Una perizia è un documento diverso dalla stima, dalla valutazione e dall’expertise: le prime due sono esclusivamente indicazioni del valore di un bene, mentre l’expertise è un’opinione accuratamente motivata su un’opera d’arte.
What does an antiques appraisal consist of?
Carrying out an appraisal is a job that requires time, rigour and study. But also curiosity and interest in the uniqueness of each object and its possible contradictions.
Each assignment is an opportunity to explore different fields and artifacts: from paintings to sculptures, from drawings to photographs and prints, to objects such as silver, ceramics, furniture, clocks, tapestries, military relics, and works of Oriental art. Some appraisals concern historical assets, while others involve contemporary works of art or design.
Conducting an appraisal isn’t just about assigning a value to an asset: my job is to piece together various clues to reconstruct a story, provide context, and provide useful information for making the right decisions.
Therefore, when carrying out the appraisals:
When an expert opinion can make the difference
An appraisal is often used only in formal or problematic situations, but its usefulness goes far beyond that: it is a “compass” that offers the coordinates to orient oneself in the world of art, antiques and collecting.. And this is how I approach every assignment entrusted to me: with the aim of providing sound advice to help make informed decisions, avoiding underestimations or unrealistic expectations, and offering a reliable point of reference in an often difficult field.
Contact me
If you feel you need an appraisal for a work of art, a design object, a collectible, or an antique, or would like to determine whether this service is a good fit for you, please contact me without obligation. I’ll be happy to listen to you and handle your request with the utmost confidentiality.