How do I evaluate an old painting?

K

Kevin the grey

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Aug 26, 2005
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I have a painting from 1903. There is as signature that is not particularly legible.

I went to a Museum of fine Arts. They kinda had their nose in the air when they told me that they do not give estimations.

I do not want a dollar figure. I just want to know if it is of monetary value.
Yeah I know thats a pretty fine distinction. I don't mind going to antique shops.
In fact I rather enjoy it. Most want either to be paid for the estimation or would buy it at the lowest possible price.(Who can blame them?)

I am fairly good at bargaining. I do have to have an idea of the value first.
 
When last I checked, The Museum of Art in Cleveland was still doing free appraisals several times a year. This helps them spot possible gifts or bequests to the Museum. You might check to see if any museum in range of you has the same sort of program.
 
It probably won't help much, but see if your insurance agent has a suggestion.

A problem with art is that (usually) each one is unique. The only real way to figure out the fair market value is to sell it.

If you can figure out who painted it, try like heck to find examples of other works by that artist and how much they've sold for. Remember, asking price is not fair market price. Other stuff like is it attractive, is it somehow significant, and its history can affect its value. Like if Elvis once owned it.
 
I will try to post a pic in the future. I know it has been placed over a new canvas. It is an impressionist painting of a Garden and fountain in France.
 
Try to get the signature to read.;that tsaid, old rule of thumb paintings are worth between fifty cents and $5.00 per square inch. Al
 
I agree that getting an idea as to the signature is about the best place
to start.

A reputable high-end auction house in large city should be able to help
you. High-end auction houses deal with art on a regular basis, & so
will have people who have a feeling for art, & know how to research if
necessary. And a reputable place will try not to mislead you as to the
paintings value. This is also how they get items to auction.

A few years ago I bought a painting at a tag sale. Later, the seller
contacted me & was very anxious to get the painting back, claiming
that it had sentimental value. Something in their approach made me
suspicious, so I took it to the best local auction house. One of their
folks took a look at it, & explained that it was a good painting, but
not valuable, & even explained how they evaluated it, all for free.

Good Luck,

John
 
Thanks guys . Looks like we are all on the same page. I took it to a few Antique stores today. I like going there it seems that well mannered,well dressed women are often the store managers.

There is one store I am certainly going back to for another estimate.

While it seems few antique dealers handle paintings one of them did point me in the direction of a local auction. This Lady even knew about pre world war two german paratrooper gravity knives. Thats another find I made.

Anyway I will contact the auction house. I will also find a better magnifier and go over the painting again.

One final note on the painting. It had been cut out of its original frame and affixed to a new canvas. I am hoping it was by an Art thief that knew what he was doing.
 
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