Free Art Appraisal
Get a value estimate without paying for a formal appraisal
Upload photos and receive a research-backed value range based on artist identity, medium, condition, and market data—no upfront cost or formal paperwork required.
- Free initial valuation
- Photo-based estimate fast
- Market-data backed
- No obligation to sell
What is a free art appraisal?
A free appraisal provides a value range based on visual analysis and comparable market sales. It’s not a formal document, but it helps you understand real-world value without cost.
Realistic value range
A price estimate grounded in recent market behavior.
Artist identification
When possible, we identify the artist to refine value.
Original vs print check
Determine whether your piece is hand-made or a print.
Condition notes
Photo-based observations on issues that impact value.
Market comparisons
Comparable sales data informs the estimate.
Next-step guidance
Recommendations if a formal appraisal or sale makes sense.
What determines the value of your artwork?
Artist identity
Known artists drive value. Signature style, subject matter, labels, and catalog references help identify who created the work.
Original vs print
Originals usually carry the highest value; prints can still be valuable, especially limited editions or works by iconic artists. See Original vs Print Artwork.
Medium
Oils often lead, acrylics are rising, watercolors and drawings vary, prints depend on edition and rarity, sculpture hinges on material and scale.
Condition
Water damage, mold, tears, yellowed varnish, poor restoration, fading, cracking, or flaking reduce value.
Provenance & documentation
Certificates, gallery receipts, exhibition records, auction labels, and notes add credibility and can raise value.
Comparable market sales
Recent auction results, gallery prices, online sales, and trends reveal what buyers pay today.
Free appraisal vs paid appraisal — what’s the difference?
Free art appraisal
Value range estimate, artist likelihood, originality check, condition notes, market comparisons, and selling recommendations. Ideal for most everyday decisions.
Paid (formal) appraisal
Certified document for insurance, estates, tax, legal needs, and high-value authentication. Follows strict guidelines and costs $150–$1,000+ depending on complexity.
When a free appraisal is enough
- You’re curious or deciding whether to sell
- You found the artwork at a thrift or sale
- The piece appears to be a reproduction
- You inherited artwork with no documentation
- You suspect the artist is unknown
- You want a fast online estimate
⚠ When you should get a formal (paid) appraisal
- The artist is well known
- The value appears above $3,000–$5,000
- You need insurance coverage or estate settlement
- You plan to donate for tax purposes
- You need legal or documented proof of value
- Authentication may be required
If a free appraisal suggests high value, we’ll let you know if paying for a formal appraisal makes sense.
Signs your artwork might be valuable
- A signature matching a known artist
- Hand-painted textures or brushwork
- Limited edition numbers (1/50, 3/75, A.P.)
- Artist proofs or printer’s proofs
- Gallery or museum labels
- Certificates of authenticity
- Large, well-preserved pieces
- Strong subject matter and quality materials
Even one or two clues can justify getting a free estimate.
⚠ Common misconceptions about free art appraisals
- “Free valuations aren’t accurate.” Quality free valuations use real market data.
- “A free appraisal is the same as a formal appraisal.” One guides you; the other documents value.
- “Old artwork is always valuable.” Many old works are decorative.
- “If it’s signed, it must be worth something.” Many prints carry printed signatures.
- “Only originals have value.” High-quality prints by known artists can be valuable.
FAQ: Free Art Appraisal
Yes. Your initial valuation costs nothing.
A realistic value range, notes on originality, artist likelihood, and market comparisons.
Free appraisals are reliable estimates. High-value works may need formal authentication.
Often, yes. Textures, signatures, edition marks, and surface details help determine originality.
Most estimates are available fast after uploading photos.
Paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media.
Yes—labels, stamps, and materials on the back provide crucial information.
Only for transactions requiring legal documentation or insurance.
How it works
Upload your artwork
Submit clear photos of the front, back, signature, and any labels.
Get your estimate
We analyze artist identity, originality, medium, condition, and comparable sales.
Review your value range
Receive a realistic, research-backed estimate—free of charge.
Next steps if valuable
If the piece shows potential, we may recommend professional appraisal or selling options.
Ready to get a free art appraisal?
Upload photos now and receive a research-backed estimate.
Get Free Valuation