Services

APPRAISALS

Before I can place a value on a work of art, I first have to understand what it is.

That may sound obvious, but it is the foundation of every appraisal. Is it a painting, a print, or a reproduction? Who created it? When was it made? What is its condition? The answers to those questions come before any discussion of value.

The purpose of the appraisal determines the type of value being assigned.

An insurance appraisal is intended to protect the owner if a work of art is lost, stolen, or damaged. For that reason, it is generally based on the retail replacement value—the cost of acquiring a comparable work of art in the appropriate retail market.

The same artwork may have a different value if the purpose of the appraisal is charitable donation, an estate, equitable distribution, or a potential sale. Before assigning a value, I first need to understand why the appraisal is being prepared.

Buying & Selling Art

If you are considering buying a particular work of art, I will help you decide whether the work and the price make sense. When appropriate, I can obtain an independent assessment from trusted colleagues with expertise in particular fields, or travel to examine the artwork myself.

I can also bid on your behalf at auction, establish provenance and fair market value, and arrange transportation and insurance.

If you are selling, I can advise on the best method of sale, whether privately or at auction. In many cases I can negotiate more favorable terms with an auction house on the seller's behalf.

I also advise on artists' estates, including how and when works should be offered in order to obtain the best result for the heirs.

I also buy works directly from private sellers. Before making an offer, I establish what I can about the provenance and determine a fair market value.

Any financial interest I may have in a transaction is disclosed in advance. Appraisal fees are based on time—not on the value of the property or the outcome of a sale. When independence could reasonably be questioned, the appraisal and transaction are handled as separate assignments, or I recommend an independent appraiser.

Art Installation & Display

After a career in which I have personally hung more than 40,000 pictures, I am available to devise a plan for displayillectionng a co—or a single work—for optimal impact and enjoyment.

This includes advice on placement, grouping and lighting, as well as the actual installation of the artwork.

Print Authentication

One area in which I have developed particular expertise is the authentication of prints by Picasso, Chagall and Miró. I have been retained for this work by private clients, auction houses and the FBI.

I have also been qualified and testified as an expert witness in Federal Court.

Framing & Restoration Advice

I provide expert framing and restoration advice, whether the goal is to protect a work of art, improve its presentation, or address damage or previous restoration.

Charitable Contributions of Art

Donating art can be both a philanthropic decision and an important part of financial planning. I have provided clients with appraisal and advisory services involving charitable contributions of artwork.

My work includes establishing value for appraisal purposes and preparing the appraisal and supporting documentation required for the contribution.

I have also advised collectors considering the acquisition of art with a future charitable contribution in mind, including questions about the artwork, its market and valuation. Tax questions are left to the client’s own tax advisor.

Art Handling

Proper handling of artwork is important whether you are moving one picture across a room or relocating an entire collection. After decades of personally handling thousands of works of art, I provide practical, experienced assistance with the safe handling and movement of artwork.