Fine art // 005

Fine-art appraisals.

Our practice focuses on the independent valuation of fine art across historical and contemporary periods.

We provide independent valuation for single artworks and expansive collections, encompassing paintings, works on paper, sculpture, original prints, photography, and mixed media.

A white-gloved appraiser photographs the reverse of a framed artwork beside a colour reference chart. — Artwork identification begins with careful inspection and documented evidence.

Fine-art media and contexts

An appraisal relies on identifying the correct market for the artwork and analyzing verifiable data from relevant auction houses, retail galleries, and recognized databases. We do not invent market data or imply that inaccessible private-sale data is routinely available.

Paintings, works on paper and mixed media

Oil, acrylic and mixed-media paintings, together with drawings and watercolours on paper. We analyse relevant auction records and publicly verifiable retail evidence to develop a credible value opinion for the stated purpose.

Evidence often required:

High-resolution images of the front, back, and signature.
Medium specifications and exact dimensions (unframed and framed).
Provenance (ownership history) and exhibition records.

Sculpture and installations

Bronze, stone, wood, and contemporary installation works. Valuations account for edition size, casting date, foundry marks, and shifting market tastes for three-dimensional works.

Evidence often required:

Detailed macro photography of foundry marks and edition numbers.
Exact weight and dimensions.
Original acquisition documents or certificates from the publisher.

Original prints and editions

Lithographs, etchings, screenprints, and other editioned works. We establish value by referencing catalogues raisonnés and identifying the specific state and edition of the print.

Evidence often required:

Close-ups of edition numbering, artist signatures, and publisher blind stamps.
Sheet and image dimensions.
Condition notes regarding margins, toning, or mounting.

Photography and new media

Vintage and contemporary photography, digital media, and video art. We consider printing processes, vintage status versus later prints, edition sizes, and condition specific to photographic materials.

Evidence often required:

Details on the specific printing process (e.g., silver gelatin, archival pigment).
Date of the negative and date of the print.
Information on mounting, framing, and artist stamps.

Artist studios and estates

Artists, studios and artist estates may commission independent appraisal assignments for retained works, succession planning, institutional donations and equitable distribution.

An artist's price lists, past invoices and studio records can be important primary evidence, but they do not constitute an independent appraisal on their own. The assignment is scoped to the requirements that the client confirms with the relevant authority, court or institution; acceptance or a particular outcome is never guaranteed.

What the report records

The final Appraisal Report provides a written identification and valuation record. For each artwork, the report records a consistent description that distinguishes the subject from other works.

This description includes the artist or stated attribution, title, date of creation, medium, dimensions and condition observations relevant to value, subject to the agreed inspection method. The report explains the market analysis and verifiable comparable evidence supporting the value conclusion.

Boundaries and limitations

To maintain independence and objectivity, our practice observes strict professional boundaries:

Authentication: An appraisal relies on existing attribution. It is not an authentication service and does not issue certificates of authenticity.
Condition reporting: While we note observed condition, an appraisal is not a formal conservator's condition report or a treatment opinion.
Clearance: We do not clear artworks for export from the UAE or prove legal title.

Other personal property may be considered by private enquiry, subject to competency, evidence and scope review.

Scope review

Confirm if your artwork falls within our appraisal scope.

Request an appraisal