Before selling a piece of art, knowing its true value is essential. An art appraisal isn’t just about assigning a price — it’s a professional, informed evaluation that considers an artwork’s monetary, historical, cultural, and aesthetic worth. Whether you’re planning to sell, insure, or simply understand your collection better, a proper appraisal lays the foundation for better understanding of how to value your artwork and its worth.
At Joshua Kodner, our expert appraisers combine decades of experience with real-time market insight to deliver accurate, high-value art appraisals you can trust. With our certified art appraisal team, you can even get art appraised online — making the process simpler than ever.
Wondering how to prepare art for auction? Contact us today for a confidential consultation or to schedule your professional appraisal.
Why Accurate Art Appraisal Matters More Than You Think
Getting an accurate art appraisal isn’t just about putting a number on a painting or sculpture. While knowing its financial value is important, a proper appraisal goes much deeper — it uncovers an artwork’s cultural, historical, and emotional significance.
Art appraisals help preserve legacies, inform restoration and conservation efforts, and guide decisions in galleries, estates, and auctions. Certified art appraisals bring clarity, confidence, and context to the world of collecting.
More than just a price tag: Why appraisals go beyond dollars
A professional appraisal provides more than a resale estimate. The broader benefits outlined below make accurate appraisals a cornerstone of the art world — not just for collectors, but for institutions and historians alike.
Art appraisals often:
- Help determine whether restoration is worth the investment
- Offer vital information for insurance coverage or estate planning
- Support museum choices on what to exhibit or acquire
- Recognize and validate an artist’s contribution to their field
- Confirm a collector’s eye and commitment to cultural stewardship
Creating a balance between expertise and emotion
Appraising art is both a science and an art form. A skilled appraiser knows how to balance these two factors, offering a valuation that respects both the technical facts and the intangible beauty of the work.
Art apprisals requires a delicate mix of:
- Objective knowledge: Understanding art movements, techniques, market trends, and artist histories
- Visual analysis: Evaluating condition, materials, style, and provenance
- Subjective insight: Interpreting the emotional, cultural, and aesthetic impact of the piece
Online Appraisals: How Reliable Are They?
Can you get art appraised online? Yes! The digital age has made art appraisal more accessible than ever. Online platforms now offer quick, convenient evaluations — but how accurate are they?
While online appraisals are useful for getting a general idea of your artwork’s value, they have limitations. Without a hands-on inspection, it’s harder to assess important details like texture, material authenticity, or condition issues.
But if you own a sought-after piece of contemporary art, like those featured in today’s most coveted contemporary collections, online appraisals may yield better results than rare, long-lost works of art.
That said, technology is improving. High-resolution photography, video consultations, and even VR tools are narrowing the gap between digital and in-person evaluations.
Still, the best practice is to use online appraisals for preliminary insights, but rely on a certified in-person appraisal for high-value or complex pieces — especially if you’re planning to sell, insure, or donate the work.
How Do I Appraise My Artwork? A Step-by-Step Guide for Collectors and Sellers
Learning how to value your artwork is a valuable step for collectors, sellers, and buyers. While nothing beats a certified professional appraisal, understanding the process can help you better prepare — and avoid undervaluing or overlooking what could be a significant piece.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the art appraisal process:
Step 1: Start with a Basic Assessment
Begin by examining your artwork carefully. Make note of:
- Dimensions and medium (e.g., oil on canvas, bronze sculpture)
- Visible signatures, dates, or artist marks
- Condition—look for cracks, discoloration, repairs, or fading
Step 2: Research the Artist
The artist’s background plays a major role in determining value. Artists with a strong presence in museum collections or auction records often carry higher value. Investigate:
- Biography and education
- Style and period of work
- Notable exhibitions, awards, or gallery representation
- Sales history and reputation in the art market
Step 3: Gather Provenance and Documentation
Provenance (also known as the artwork’s history of ownership) can greatly influence value. Strong provenance helps verify authenticity and builds trust with buyers or insurers.
Look for:
- Purchase receipts or invoices
- Previous appraisals
- Exhibition records or catalog mentions
- Gallery or auction labels
Step 4: Assess the Condition
Even the most valuable artwork can lose worth if it’s in poor condition. If you’re unsure, consider having a conservator evaluate the piece before an appraiser steps in.
Check for:
- Tears, abrasions, discoloration, or warping
- Previous restorations (especially unprofessional ones)
- Need for conservation
Step 5: Research the Market
What are similar works selling for? Use online databases and auction results to gather pricing data on:
- Artworks by the same artist
- Similar size, medium, and condition
- Comparable time periods or styles
Step 6: Consult a Professional Appraiser
Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to bring in a certified expert. A professional appraiser can:
- Confirm your findings (or uncover more)
- Provide a formal, legal valuation for sale, insurance, or estate planning
- Identify nuances you may have missed—like hidden artist marks or underrecognized market trends
Stay On Top of Market Trends with Joshua Kodner
At Joshua Kodner, our team of experienced appraisers delivers more than just a number — we offer expert insight backed by decades of industry knowledge and real-time market trends. From private sales to high-profile auctions, we help sellers make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.
Contact Joshua Kodner today for a professional appraisal and start the selling process with clarity and confidence.