Inherited a painting? How to prepare your first enquiry

1. Describe your question in one sentence

Is this a single painting or a group of works? Would you like an initial overview, are you considering a sale, or do you need to establish whether a written valuation would be appropriate? Include the location and any known deadlines. Your purpose helps define the examination needed.

An initial assessment and a detailed written valuation serve different purposes. Not every work in a collection needs its own report at the first point of contact. The appropriate examination for your purpose is discussed individually.

2. Gather informative photographs

The following views are useful when they can be obtained without moving the work unsafely:

• An overall view of the front.
• A view of the back, if it is safely accessible.
• A visible signature, inscription or date.
• Existing labels and other markings.
• Details of noticeable damage or visible changes.

Avoid putting the painting at risk for a photograph

If a view is unavailable, simply explain why. There is no need to expose the back specifically for a photograph if this would require removing the painting from its frame or moving it unsafely. The Canadian Conservation Institute notes that handling can cause damage. Avoid touching or applying pressure to the paint surface or the back of a canvas.

3. Organise the information you already have

Record known dimensions and gather existing purchase receipts, previous reports, auction documents or other information about the work’s history. Distinguish documented information from family recollections. A suggested artist’s name should remain clearly identified as a suggestion.

For several works, a simple numbered overview can help: work 1, work 2 and so on. Give the photographs and documents for each work the same number. A complete inventory is not required for the first message.

4. Understand the limits of photographs

Photographs support an initial orientation. They cannot replace every examination of materials, condition or attribution. A substantiated written valuation generally requires examination of the original and explains a value for an agreed purpose and date. A photographic enquiry alone is therefore not a valuation report.

A template for your first message

“I have inherited one painting / approximately … works. They are located in … . I would initially like to clarify … . I have attached the photographs and documents available. What I know is … . I am unsure about … . If relevant, an important deadline is … .”

This information provides a basis for discussing appropriate next steps and their scope. Fees for any further work are agreed individually.