Start with an overview
An overview and prioritisation are often the first steps in organising an estate or collection. Individual valuations and a group assessment serve different purposes.
Art appraisals, estates, damage, conservation
Estate and collection valuation
Review, prioritisation and valuation of art in estates, giving heirs, executors and legal advisers a clear basis for decisions.
A survey or valuation of the collection?
A survey helps organise works and prioritise further examination. An inventory or valuation list can provide an overview; selected works may need a detailed appraisal. The form needed for preservation, insurance, estate division or sale is clarified beforehand.
First photographs of the collection
Overview photographs help establish scale and variety. Relevant individual works need further images; examination may be necessary to record condition and the full group.
What should you prepare?
Start with the number of works, location, existing lists and your objective. Mention known deadlines. Scope, condition, records and travel affect the work; further steps and fees are agreed personally.
Preparing your enquiry
How does an art estate assessment begin?
Start with an overview of the works and available records. Photographs, an approximate number of objects, location and known provenance help plan the assessment. The next step is deciding which objects need closer examination and which records should be supplemented.
Does every work immediately need a separate appraisal?
An initial enquiry need not begin with a full appraisal of every object. An overview can help prioritize further work. Individual reports, an inventory or additional research depend on the agreed purpose; this does not replace legal or tax advice.
Dr. Mayme Neher · Düsseldorf
Would you like to briefly discuss your concern?
Call Dr Mayme Neher directly or send a few photographs with a short description.