Photo assessment or written art valuation: which do you need?

Define the decision before choosing the service

Before making an enquiry, write two short sentences: “I would like to decide …” and “The result will be used by …”. They give a clearer basis for discussing the work needed than the general question “What is my painting worth?”.

These three illustrative situations can help you frame the request. They are decision guidance, not accounts of client cases:

• You first want to establish whether further research would be worthwhile. Ask for initial guidance and which questions would remain unanswered.
• An insurer or another organisation requests documentation. First ask that organisation what information and type of document it needs, then include those requirements in your enquiry.
• You are considering a sale. Explain whether you want to explore a possible selling route or commission a separate written valuation. These are different questions.

Which questions might photographs leave open?

Dr. Mayme Neher’s service description distinguishes initial guidance from a reasoned written valuation. Photographs cannot answer every question about materials, condition or attribution; examination of the original may be needed.

Ask specifically: “What can you assess from my documents, and what would still need examination?” Identifying the next examination can itself be a useful initial answer. An unclear signature or a gap in the work’s history should remain an open question rather than be treated as established information.

Why an auction estimate may serve a different purpose

Christie’s describes its online auction estimates as provisional and restricted to considering a possible consignment. A personal examination may change the estimate. Its terms promise neither a selling price nor authentication.

This is a specific example of a limited purpose, not a statement about every provider’s terms. Check what decision any assessment is intended to support before using it for a different purpose.

Five questions before commissioning a written report

The IHK’s general guidance on expert reports addresses the assignment, factual foundations and reasoned conclusions. It is guidance rather than a mandatory format for every art valuation. Together with the service description, it provides a basis for this practical conversation checklist:

• What precise question should be answered, and for what purpose?
• What date should the valuation relate to?
• Which documents, examinations and research will be included?
• Which uncertainties or limitations are expected to remain?
• What will the written result contain, and which services and fees are agreed?

A short template for your enquiry

“I would like to establish … about my painting. The result will be used by … . The information available is … . The organisation receiving the document has specified these requirements: … . Please let me know whether a photo assessment would be a useful starting point and what further examination might be needed.”

If the precise purpose is still open, say so. A clearly framed discussion about the next decision is a useful beginning without assuming in advance that a particular examination or report is required.