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In short: What an art appraisal costs depends less on the value of the work than on the effort involved: the purpose of the report, the number of objects, the depth of research, an on-site inspection and the required format. Reputable appraisers charge by effort, not as a percentage of the value they determine, and give you a binding framework before you commission them.
Why there is no standard price for an art appraisal
A single painting with complete provenance and many comparable auction results can be valued reliably in a few hours. An estate with 80 objects from five collecting areas, some without documentation, takes weeks. Both are called an “art appraisal”, yet they are entirely different assignments. The honest answer to the question of price is therefore: it depends, and on factors you can understand.
The six factors that determine the effort
- Purpose and type of value. An insurance (replacement) value requires different research from a market value for dividing an estate or a tax value for the authorities. Reports that must stand up in court, with tax authorities or with a bank are documented in more detail.
- Number and type of objects. A collection does not simply cost more “per item”: similar works can be valued more efficiently than a mixed holding of paintings, watches, jewellery and antiques.
- Documentation. Invoices, certificates, exhibition and literature references shorten the work considerably. Where they are missing, provenance has to be reconstructed.
- Market transparency. Sought-after artists have many comparable sales. Niche areas, early works or regional artists require more research.
- On-site inspection. A reliable report usually requires examining the original. Travel time and expenses are shown separately.
- Format and language. A short value statement is quicker to prepare than a detailed, signed report with photo documentation, in several languages and for several recipients.
The three usual fee models
- Hourly rate: suited to individual valuations, second opinions or reviewing an existing report.
- Flat fee per work: for small to medium assignments with clearly defined objects.
- Collection fee: for larger holdings, for example in an estate or for an insurance inventory.
Equally important is what should not be part of the fee: a fee as a percentage of the determined value creates an incentive to set the value high or low. A “free” appraisal tied to a sales mandate is just as problematic. An independent appraiser receives no commission from a subsequent sale and has no interest in the result.
When a full report is worth it, and when a first assessment is enough
Not every question needs a full report. A verbal or short written first assessment is often enough to decide whether a work merits closer examination. A formal report is worthwhile above all when:
- an estate has to be divided or valued for the tax authorities,
- an insurer requires a documented replacement value,
- a bank is to accept art as collateral,
- a sale is planned and you need an independent reference value before talking to galleries or auction houses,
- there is disagreement about value in a divorce or among heirs.
How to avoid unnecessary costs
- Clarify the purpose first: which body needs the report, and which type of value does it require?
- Gather existing documents: invoices, certificates, photos of reverse sides, labels and signatures.
- For larger holdings, start with an inventory list and a prioritisation: a few works often account for most of the value.
- Before commissioning, ask for a written agreement setting out scope, fee model and delivery date.
How I work
In a free, non-binding initial conversation (30–45 minutes) we clarify purpose, type of value and scope. You then receive a binding framework for fee and timing before any engagement begins. More on value types and the process: Art appraisals and valuation reports. For lawyers, executors and family offices there is a dedicated overview: For professional advisers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fee based on the value of the artwork?
No. The fee depends on the effort. A value-based fee would call the independence of the report into question.
Is the initial conversation free?
Yes. The initial conversation is free and non-binding. Only afterwards do you receive a binding cost framework.
Can an art appraisal be prepared from photos alone?
Photos are enough for a first assessment. A reliable report usually requires examining the original.
How long does an art appraisal take?
For a single work usually three to seven working days from the inspection; for collections of 10 to 50 objects roughly two to six weeks.
Are the reports accepted by authorities and banks?
Yes. The reports are recognised by tax authorities, insurers and banks. Any specific cantonal or institutional requirements are clarified in the initial conversation.
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