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An old painting’s age alone does not tell you what it is worth. A useful valuation depends on what the work is, who made it, its condition and ownership history, relevant market evidence, and why and when you need a value. An appraisal estimates value for a defined purpose; it does not automatically authenticate a painting.
How much is my old painting worth?
There is no reliable value to give without examining and researching the specific painting. Two works of similar age can have very different markets. A value conclusion should identify its purpose and valuation date, and account for evidence such as:
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- Attribution to an artist, including how securely that attribution is supported.
- Medium, dimensions, subject, and other characteristics that affect the work’s market.
- Condition, damage, and restoration.
- Provenance: the documented history of ownership, exhibitions, and prior sales.
- Comparable sales relevant to the work and close to the valuation date.
- The state of the market for the artist and type of work.
A photograph-based opinion can be a useful first step, but it may not provide the examination, research, or written documentation needed for a formal appraisal. Avoid treating an online price guide, asking price, signature, or age as a valuation on its own.
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Make a concise record of the painting and assemble documents that may help establish its identity and history. Useful material includes:
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- Dimensions and medium, if known; subject and approximate date.
- Clear photographs of the front, back, signature or inscriptions, labels, frame, and visible damage.
- Notes about condition and any known restoration.
- Acquisition date, price, and circumstances, plus any estate or ownership records.
- Invoices, certificates, prior appraisals or opinions, and records of exhibitions or sales.
Keep originals of important documents and send copies or images when possible. Gaps in the ownership history do not settle the question of value, but should be disclosed rather than filled with assumptions.
Does an appraisal prove a painting is authentic?
No. An appraisal estimates value for a stated purpose; it is not, by itself, proof that the named artist made the work. Authentication is a separate question, and a visible signature or certificate should not be treated as conclusive without supporting evidence.
For donated art, the IRS says a professional appraiser should use “reasonable due diligence to determine or confirm the authenticity of a donated artwork.” Its examples of possible checks include a relevant catalogue raisonné, an assigned foundation number where applicable, a comprehensive online archive, or a certificate from a recognized authority or expert. These are possible lines of inquiry, not a universal checklist or guarantee. See IRS Publication 561, “Art and Collectibles” (Rev. December 2025).
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Choose someone whose experience and report fit the work and the decision you need to make. Insurance replacement, estate or gift tax, charitable contribution, divorce, and sale planning can call for different definitions of value, valuation dates, and report requirements. Ask prospective appraisers:
- Do you regularly appraise this period, medium, or artist?
- What standard of value and valuation date will you use, and why?
- What records, photographs, or physical examination do you need?
- How will you research provenance and comparable sales?
- Will you provide a written report suitable for my intended use, and what will it cover?
- What is the fee and scope of work? Is authentication included, or referred to a separate specialist?
- Do you have a financial interest in a later sale of the painting?
Recognized professional societies can be a starting point for finding appraisers, but verify the person’s relevant specialty, credentials, geographic coverage, independence, and terms. The Appraisers Association of America provides consumer information and appraiser resources.
Can a museum appraise my painting?
Do not assume that a museum will value or authenticate privately owned art. Policies vary. The Walters Art Museum says it does not provide monetary appraisals or authenticate art, and recommends using an accredited appraiser through a recognized professional society. Check the relevant institution’s policy before sending images or expecting an opinion: The Walters Art Museum FAQ.
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Can a book or price guide tell me what it is worth?
Reference books, catalogs, dealers’ price lists, and specialized periodicals can help with preliminary research, but they cannot substitute for examining the specific work, assessing attribution and condition, or researching relevant sales. The IRS advises using the current edition of a reference source as of the contribution date when researching donated property. A guide is not a substitute for a qualified appraisal when one is required. See IRS Publication 561.
What are the IRS appraisal rules for donating art?
The following thresholds are U.S. federal charitable-contribution substantiation rules for donated art, not general price thresholds for private sales or insurance valuations. IRS Publication 561 (Rev. December 2025) says:
| Claimed deduction for donated art | IRS requirement described in Publication 561 |
|---|---|
| More than $5,000 | Generally requires a qualified appraisal and Form 8283. |
| $20,000 or more | The appraisal must be attached to Form 8283. |
| $50,000 or more | The donor may request an IRS Statement of Value before filing the return that reports the donation. |
These requirements concern substantiating a charitable deduction. The IRS also specifies appraiser qualifications and report information, including the valuation date, value, method, and valuation basis. Confirm the current instructions and process directly with the IRS for the particular donation. See Publication 561 and the IRS tax topic on charitable contributions.
What should I consider before selling an inherited painting?
First gather its records and obtain enough identification and market information to decide which sale route is plausible. A general dealer, specialist auction house, or private sale may suit different works and seller priorities; without knowing the artist, location, and condition, no single route can be recommended for every painting.
When comparing offers or services, ask about:
- Whether the seller or auction house has an audience for the painting’s category.
- Commissions and other charges, and the likely net proceeds rather than a headline estimate.
- Handling, shipping, and insurance responsibilities.
- Timing, reserve terms, withdrawal conditions, and what happens if the work does not sell.
- How attribution and valuation are handled, and whether an estimate is binding.
Compare terms in writing before committing. An estimate is not necessarily a guaranteed sale price, and the best route depends on the work’s evidence as well as your priorities for timing, certainty, and reach.
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