Whether you’re interested in fine art purchasing or in securing a reliable appraisal for an antique, navigating the fine art world can be confusing. Between understanding industry terms, fair market value, and appraisal factors, you may have many questions. To help you understand more about appraisals, here are some of the questions art lovers usually have about the process.

Art Appraisal FAQs

What is a provenance & what does it do? 

A provenance is a document that authenticates a piece of art by including details such as its creator, history, and appraisal value. The main purpose of this certificate is to protect the original creator and holder of the piece, providing proof that an art piece is authentic and not forged or stolen.

What's the difference between fair market value and replacement value?

Fair market value refers to the price an item would sell for on the open market, usually during a fine art purchasing event. This price is an agreement between the buyer and seller, and isn’t influenced by third parties. 

Replacement value, on the other hand, is the cost of purchasing a product that’s similar to an original piece that was lost or damaged. This valuation is usually given when fine art is appraised for insurance purposes.

What’s the significance of a watermark? 

Watermarks are used by creators to leave their signature on a piece of art. It’s a form of branding, a way for viewers to identify the artwork as belonging to a specific creator. They are usually made with coated metal stamps, appearing light against a dark background or vice versa.  

Is an art appraisal the same as an art authentication?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. An appraisal is an estimated cost or art expert opinion of an item’s value, while an authentication is a scholarly valuation from a source such as a museum curator or scientist.

If you’re looking to get involved in fine art purchasing or selling, put your trust in Forsythe's Antiques & Fine Art in Russellville, OH. As a premier buyer of antiques in the Cincinnati area, proprietor Frank Forsythe and his team have a combined 125 years of experience dealing in antiques. Handling everything from antique furniture to estate jewelry purchasing, they fully understand the nuances of the industry and can provide fast and secure appraisals. Visit them online to see what they buy, or call (513) 791-2323 to discuss fine art purchasing.