The COVID-19 pandemic means that you might have to provide appraisers with the information required for an appraisal. Both good photos and accurate descriptions are required. Follow the tips listed below.
Artworks
1. Cancel the flash on your camera or smartphone and make sure to focus.
2. In addition to an overall shot, take two to three detail photos.
3. Photograph the signature and any other inscriptions, numbers or dates on the front.
4. Photograph any labels or inscriptions on the back.
5. Take shots of any documents such as original sales receipts, old appraisals, etc.
6. Collect the following information:
—artist’s full name
—title or brief description
—date
—medium (oil painting, watercolour, print, etc.)
—support (what the work is painted on — canvas, paper, etc.)
—size, height x width.
—brief frame description (wood, metal, glazed, gilded, carved, etc.)
—brief description of any damage such as tears, scrapes, fading
—chain of ownership (provenance) and exhibitions history if known.
Decorative Art Objects and Artifacts
1. Take several photos from different angles, remembering to both cancel the flash and focus on the object.
2. Shoot details of any labels, manufacturer’s marks, hallmarks, etc.
3. Take shots of any documents such as original sales receipts, appraisals, etc.
4. Collect the following information:
—what the object is or is known as
—manufacturer’s name and any stock numbers, date, etc.
—material
—size, height x width x depth
—brief description of any damage
—chain of ownership (provenance) and exhibitions history if known.
