Art Appraisal
Art Appraisal is the process of determining the value of artwork and collectibles. It's a crucial skill in art galleries, auction houses, and museums where professionals need to assess the worth of pieces for sales, insurance, or donations. Think of it as similar to how a real estate appraiser values houses, but for art objects. Art appraisers look at factors like the artist's reputation, the artwork's condition, its history of ownership (called provenance), and current market trends to determine fair market values.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted over 200 Art Appraisal|Art Appraisals for private collectors and insurance purposes
Led Art Appraisal team for major estate liquidation valued at $2M
Performed Art Appraisal|Artwork Appraisal services for regional museums and galleries
Typical job title: "Art Appraisers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Art Appraisers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle complex estate appraisals with multiple art periods and styles?
Expected Answer: A senior appraiser should discuss their systematic approach to cataloging, researching, and valuing diverse collections, mentioning how they coordinate with subject matter experts when needed, and explaining their process for documenting provenance and condition reports.
Q: Tell me about a challenging appraisal situation and how you resolved it.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, such as dealing with disputed authenticity, complex ownership histories, or unusual artwork types, while maintaining professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when appraising contemporary art?
Expected Answer: Should explain consideration of artist reputation, gallery representation, previous sales history, condition, size, medium, and current market trends in contemporary art.
Q: How do you stay current with art market trends and values?
Expected Answer: Should mention specific resources like auction databases, price guides, industry publications, and professional networks they use to stay informed about market changes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's your process for documenting an artwork's condition?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic condition reporting methods, including photography, measuring, noting damage or repairs, and proper documentation procedures.
Q: What information do you need to begin an appraisal?
Expected Answer: Should list basic requirements like artwork dimensions, medium, artist name, creation date, provenance if available, and purpose of appraisal (insurance, sale, donation).
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic condition reporting
- Research techniques
- Photography of artworks
- Understanding of art periods and styles
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent valuations
- Market analysis
- Authentication basics
- Client relations
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex collection appraisals
- Expert witness testimony
- Team management
- Advanced authentication
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal art education or appraisal training
- Unfamiliarity with major art periods and movements
- Lack of knowledge about art market databases and resources
- No professional certifications or memberships in appraisal organizations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Refining Job Descriptions to Expand Applicant Pools: Casting a Wider Talent Net
