Fine Art Appraisals
Accurate, well-researched valuations of fine art, decorative arts, and collections -prepared to the highest professional standards for any purpose your situation requires.
USPAP CERTIFIED
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
Our appraisal team maintains current USPAP certification and adheres to Standards 7 & 8 governing the development and reporting of personal property appraisals. Reports are accepted by insurance companies, the IRS, courts of law, and government agencies nationwide.
Every appraisal serves a different purpose and each requires a specific methodology
The purpose of an appraisal determines the type of value assigned, the research methodology used, and the standards the report must satisfy.
We prepare formal, written appraisal reports for the following purposes.
Insurance &
Retail Replacement Value
MOST COMMON
Determines the cost to replace a specific item with one of similar quality, age, origin, and condition in the most appropriate retail market. Essential for obtaining adequate insurance coverage and for processing damage or loss claims with your carrier.
• REPLACEMENT VALUE
• INSURANCE SCHEDULING
Charitable Donation & Noncash Contributions
TAX DEDUCTION
A qualified appraisal is required for noncash charitable contributions exceeding $5,000. For donated art valued at $20,000 or more, the appraisal must be attached to the donor's tax return and may be subject to review by the IRS Art Advisory Panel. We prepare reports that satisfy IRS Form 8283 requirements.
• FAIR MARKET VALUE
• IRS FORM 8283
Damage & Loss Claims
INSURANCE CLAIMS
Provides an objective, third-party valuation of art and personal property for division of assets during divorce proceedings, partnership dissolutions, or other legal disputes. An impartial appraisal minimizes disagreements and ensures fair division of property.
• DIMINUTION IN VALUE
• PRE-/POST-LOSS
Liquidation Value
BANKRUPTCY / SALE
Estimates the likely proceeds if property must be sold under time constraints, such as in bankruptcy proceedings, business dissolution, or forced sale. Liquidation value is typically lower than fair market value and reflects realistic market conditions under pressure.
• LIQUIDATION VALUE
• FORCED / ORDERLY
WHY IT MATTERS
Every report we produce is
USPAP‑compliant
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, authorized by Congress in 1989, are the recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP Standards 7 and 8 specifically govern the development and reporting of personal property appraisals — including fine art, antiques, and decorative arts.
Estate Tax Appraisals
IRS / PROBATE
Required by the IRS for federal estate and gift tax filings. Establishes the fair market value of art and personal property as of the date of death or alternate valuation date, in compliance with IRS regulations and IRC Section 2031.
• FAIR MARKET VALUE
• IRC §2031
Equitable Distribution
LEGAL / DIVORCE
Provides an objective, third-party valuation of art and personal property for division of assets during divorce proceedings, partnership dissolutions, or other legal disputes. An impartial appraisal minimizes disagreements and ensures fair division of property.
• FAIR MARKET VALUE
• COURT-ADMISSIBLE
Estate Planning
ADVISORY
Provides an objective, third-party valuation of art and personal property for division of assets during divorce proceedings, partnership dissolutions, or other legal disputes. An impartial appraisal minimizes disagreements and ensures fair division of property.
• FAIR MARKET VALUE
• PLANNING & ADVISORY
Collateral & Loan Purposes
FINANCIAL
Art-secured lending has grown significantly. Financial institutions and private lenders require independent appraisals to establish the value of fine art used as collateral for loans. Reports are prepared to meet the specific requirements of the lending institution.
• FAIR MARKET VALUE
• LENDER REQUIREMENTS
01
ETHICS & IMPARTIALITY
Appraisers must act with independence, objectivity, and without bias. Fees are never based on a percentage of appraised value.
02
COMPETENCY
Appraisers must possess the knowledge and experience necessary for the specific type of property being valued.
03
SCOPE OF WORK
The research, analysis, and methodology must be appropriate to the assignment and clearly defined in the report.
04
ACCEPTED BY AUTHORITIES
USPAP-compliant reports are required by the IRS and accepted by insurance carriers, courts, and financial institutions.
OUR PROCESS
From first contact to final report
1
2
3
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Comparable sales analysis, market research, provenance verification, and application of appropriate valuation methodology.
4
WRITTEN REPORT
A formal USPAP-compliant document with full descriptions, photographs, value conclusions, and appraiser credentials.
INTAKE & SCOPE
You describe the property and the purpose of the appraisal. We define the scope of work, value type, and timeline.
INSPECTION
On-site or photographic examination of each item — identification, measurement, condition assessment, and photography.
WHAT WE APPRAISE
Across disciplines and centuries
Paintings & Drawings
Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, ink — from Old Masters through contemporary
Ceramics & Porcelain
European porcelain, art pottery, studio ceramics, Chinese export, and decorative vessels
Sculpture & Objects
Bronze, marble, wood, mixed media, and decorative objects across all periods
Furniture & Decorative Arts
Silver, glass, metalwork, textiles, and fine furniture from American and European makers
GET STARTED
Request an appraisal
Whether you need a single item valued for insurance or an entire estate inventoried for tax purposes, we're here to help. Tell us about your needs and we'll respond with a scope of work and fee estimate within 48 hours.
For estates or large collections, we offer on-site consultations in the New York metropolitan area and can travel nationally by arrangement.