Authenticating Art: Discovering A Painting's True Value

how to find out the value of a painting

Determining the value of a painting can be a complex process. The price of a painting is influenced by factors such as the reputation of the artist, the historical context of the artwork, and the demand for their work. Other factors include the size of the painting, the medium used, and its condition. To find out the value of a painting, one can research comparable artworks, identify the artist's signature, and consult gallery websites, auction records, and art marketplaces. Additionally, seeking professional appraisal services or utilising online platforms that offer lease-purchase agreements for artworks can provide insights into the monetary worth of a painting.

Characteristics Values
Artist's reputation and demand Higher demand for a particular artist increases the price of their paintings
Historical context Paintings addressing critical moments in history may be more valuable
Permanently scarce supply Paintings by deceased artists are often more expensive
Size Larger paintings require more materials, time, and resources, increasing their price
Medium and genre Oil on canvas paintings may be more valuable than prints
Comparable artworks Research similar artworks to determine the value of a painting
Authenticity A certificate of authenticity can help verify the value of a painting
Age and condition Older paintings in good condition may be more valuable

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Research the artist

The artist is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a painting. A well-known artist will automatically make a painting more valuable. For example, a signed and authenticated drawing on paper by Picasso is worth more than an oil painting by an unknown artist.

If the artist is not famous, it is still worth doing your research. If the artist led an interesting life or was significant in some way, this could increase the value of their work. If the artist died early and only painted a few paintings, this also adds value to their work as the supply can't meet demand, which drives up the price. Sometimes, current artists are very trendy and can get more for their paintings. For example, Banksy is very popular at the moment, and his graffiti-type paintings recently sold for $1.4 million, partly due to his popularity.

You can research the artist by searching their name and clicking on the "Shopping" section in Google. The most reliable sources for price information will be gallery websites, auction records, and fine art marketplaces such as 1stDibs. Websites like eBay and Etsy are less reliable but can be useful if they are your only option. When looking at similar paintings, make sure to check that the pieces are the same medium and then look primarily at the size.

You can also find out if the artist's work has played an important role in history or is associated with significant events or people, as this can increase the value of their paintings. For example, a work by Jackson Pollock is valued according to its contribution to the iconic post-war abstract expressionism movement.

Finally, it is worth researching the previous owners of the painting. If it has been owned by someone famous or important, this can add to its value.

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Compare to similar paintings

When determining the value of a painting, one of the most important factors is the artist. A work by a renowned artist, such as Picasso, will generally have a higher value and demand in the market. For instance, a signed and authenticated drawing by Picasso would be worth more than an unsigned painting by an unknown artist. Additionally, the date of creation is crucial. Art that is valued highly is usually created soon after the conception of the style it embodies. For example, Impressionist works from the main Impressionist era are more sought-after than similar paintings from a later period.

The subject matter also plays a significant role in the value of a painting. Historical events, portraits of notable figures, or paintings with people, landscapes, or abstracts can increase a painting's worth. Furthermore, the medium is essential to consider. Original paintings on canvas or panel are generally more valuable than reproductions or prints. For instance, a giclee, which is a print on canvas, usually has a lower value than an original painting.

When comparing your painting to similar artworks, it is crucial to consider the condition of the piece. A painting in good condition, free from cracks, tears, stains, or damage, will be more appealing to buyers and can command a higher price. Additionally, the size of the painting can be a factor in pricing, with some artists pricing their work on a price-per-square-inch basis.

If you are unsure about the artist's name or the painting's origin, you can research the signature by comparing it to known examples from reputable sources. You can also consult art appraisal services or experts to verify the artist's signature and provide more information about the painting.

Lastly, the market demand for a particular artist or style of painting influences its price. If there is high demand for a specific artist or style, the price of their paintings will increase. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on popular styles, new artists, and market trends to make informed decisions about the value of your painting.

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Consider the painting's size

The size of a painting is a significant factor in determining its price. In practical terms, a larger painting requires more materials, time, and resources to create, which can increase its price. When commissioning an artist, one of the first questions they will ask is the desired size. Larger paintings can also be more visually striking and varied in thematic content, making them more desirable to art collectors. This can increase their value.

The size of a painting also contributes to its "wall power". Larger paintings are more likely to draw people in and surprise them. They can also be more impactful when used in combination with certain colours, such as red, which tends to evoke emotion and has been shown to increase a painting's performance at auction.

When determining the value of a painting, it is important to compare it to similar pieces of the same medium. This means looking at paintings of a similar size, style, and genre. If you are an emerging artist, you can calculate the value of your painting by multiplying the total square inches by a standard rate. For example, if your painting measures 30x24 inches, it has a total area of 720 square inches. As an emerging artist, you could multiply this by $0.50 per square inch, which would give you a value of $360. A more established artist might charge $1 per square inch, which would value the painting at $720. An artist with a following could multiply the square inch count by $5 to $20, which would value the painting at anywhere from $3,600 to $14,400.

It is worth noting that small and subtle paintings are less likely to sell for a high price unless they are created by a popular artist.

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Scarcity and demand

The scarcity of a painting can be influenced by several factors, including the artist's reputation and historical context. For instance, the death of an artist can cause an increase in the value of their works as their paintings become a permanently scarce supply. The work of Vincent Van Gogh is an example of this phenomenon, with his paintings selling for millions of dollars at auction decades after his death.

Additionally, the exclusivity of the market for a particular artist or style can also contribute to scarcity. In some cases, reproductions of artworks can increase the value of the original piece by providing publicity and increasing demand. However, wealthy buyers typically seek out unique and original pieces that are not widely available or similar to other works in the region.

Demand, on the other hand, is driven by factors such as the artist's fame, the artwork's condition, historical significance, and aesthetic qualities. Paintings with excellent artistic merit, which showcase an artist's proficiency and embody the aesthetic value of fine art, tend to be in higher demand. Market trends and cultural shifts can also influence demand, with certain artists or styles gaining popularity over time.

To accurately assess the value of a painting based on scarcity and demand, it is essential to consult various authoritative resources and experts in the field. Comparative analysis, which involves examining recent sales of similar artworks, provides a benchmark for determining the fair market value. Consulting price guides, seeking professional appraisals, and reviewing auction prices can also help in understanding the impact of scarcity and demand on a painting's value.

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Get a professional appraisal

To find out the value of a painting, it is recommended to seek a professional appraisal. This involves hiring an expert appraiser who can evaluate the painting and provide a fair market valuation. The appraiser will consider various factors such as the artwork's condition, history, rarity, the artist's reputation, and market demand. The process may also involve historical research, market analysis, and expert opinion.

When choosing an appraiser, it is essential to select one who specializes in the type of painting you own, be it a watercolour, oil painting, sculpture, or another form. Online platforms like Mearto and Value My Stuff offer convenient options for submitting your painting for appraisal from the comfort of your home. These platforms connect you with specialized appraisers who can provide a detailed valuation within a short timeframe, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

It is worth noting that the art market is dynamic and influenced by various factors. The reputation of the artist is a significant factor in determining the value of a painting. Works by renowned artists with strong sales records generally hold higher value. Additionally, the subject matter and style of the painting can play a role in its valuation. For example, a painting that addresses a critical moment in history may be more valuable than a retrospective piece.

Before submitting your painting for appraisal, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the artwork and its provenance. If there is any writing, signature, or mark on the painting, try to identify the artist and research their work. You can also research recent sales of similar works by the same artist or in the same genre to get a preliminary estimate of your painting's value.

Investing in authentication research is crucial, especially when dealing with potentially valuable artworks. This step helps verify the authenticity of the painting and ensures that you are compliant with any legal or financial requirements associated with the artwork.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to identify the artist. If you can't read the signature, try guessing what it says and search for that artist's name along with the word "artist". If that doesn't work, take a clear photo of the signature and upload it to Google Lens to find similar photos.

If you received the painting from a family member or friend, ask them how they acquired it. If there is no signature, it may be a print or lithograph, in which case you can research similar images online.

The value of a painting is generally tied to the reputation of the artist. Paintings by well-known artists are more likely to be in demand, which will increase their value. Paintings by artists who are no longer living will also often be more valuable because their works are now in permanently scarce supply.

The size of a painting is a significant factor in determining its price. Larger paintings require more materials, time, and resources to create, which increases their value. The subject matter can also influence a painting's value, particularly if it addresses a critical moment in history.

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