Value My Artwork | How Much Is My Painting Worth Online

What determines artwork value?

Artwork pricing follows clear factors that separate decorative pieces from those with real market significance. Here's what we evaluate in every valuation.

Artist identity

The creator is the single biggest driver of what a painting is worth. Signatures, style, and subject matter are cross-checked against artist databases and auction records. Works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Monet command premiums, but lesser-known listed artists can also carry significant value.

Original vs print

Original works carry the highest value; prints and reproductions are common but can be valuable when limited or by notable artists. Learn more in our original vs print artwork guide.

Medium & technique

Oil paintings typically sell for more than acrylics or watercolors by the same artist. Printmaking value depends on edition size, technique (lithograph, screenprint, etching), and print condition. Mixed media and sculpture follow their own markets.

Condition & restoration

Cracking, fading, water damage, foxing, poor repairs, and frame issues can significantly reduce value. A painting in excellent original condition may be worth 2–5x the same work with visible damage. Professional conservation can help — amateur restoration often hurts.

Age, subject & style

Age alone doesn't equal value — market demand matters more. Mid-century modern, American Impressionism, and contemporary works remain highly collected. Learn more in our old painting value guide.

Provenance & documentation

Gallery labels, certificates of authenticity, exhibition stickers, ownership history, and auction records all boost confidence and price. If you've inherited artwork, even partial documentation can make a meaningful difference in valuation.

Comparable sales & demand

We compare your piece to recent auction results, gallery pricing, and collector demand for similar works. A painting's worth depends on what buyers are currently paying for comparable pieces — not what someone paid decades ago.

Signs your artwork might be valuable

Not every piece on your wall is worth thousands, but certain clues suggest a painting or artwork may have real market value. Look for these indicators before seeking an appraisal.

Recognizable or signed artist
Low edition numbers (for prints)
Thick, textured brushstrokes
Gallery, exhibition, or museum labels
High-quality frame and materials
Larger sizes with strong subjects
Documented provenance or catalog entries
Unusual or rare subject matter

⚠ Common mistakes that lead to bad valuations

Whether you're researching a painting's worth on your own or preparing for a professional art appraisal, these errors can lead to inaccurate results or lost value.

Assuming age equals value.
Confusing prints with originals.
Ignoring damage or condition issues.
Relying on unverified online opinions.
Attempting DIY cleaning or restoration.
Taking blurry or incomplete photos.

How to value your artwork online (step-by-step)

You don't need an in-person appraiser to get a reliable estimate. Follow these steps to value your painting or artwork online and understand what it might be worth.

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Step 1: Take clear photos

Capture front, back, signature close-ups, labels or numbers, texture details, and the frame (optional). Clarity matters most.

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Step 2: Identify key clues

Look for signatures, edition numbers, gallery labels, dates or titles, markings, and true brush texture vs. printed texture.

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Step 3: Compare similar works

Subject, medium, size, artist, era, and demand are evaluated against comparable pieces.

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Step 4: Understand the price range

Value is a range based on condition, rarity, trends, and confidence in authenticity—not a single inflated number.

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Step 5: Know when to authenticate

Higher-value works (typically $5,000+) may need expert authentication, a condition report, or a formal insurance appraisal. We'll flag if that seems likely. Not sure whether you need a free estimate or a paid appraisal? See our free art appraisal guide.

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FAQ: artwork valuation questions answered

Common questions about getting your painting or artwork valued online.

Yes. Initial valuations are completely free — no credit card or commitment required. If your artwork appears valuable, we may suggest optional next steps like authentication, a formal appraisal, or selling support, but those are always your choice.

An online valuation provides a strong starting point based on artist identity, condition, comparable sales, and current market trends. It gives you a realistic price range rather than a single inflated number. For high-value pieces, we may recommend in-person expert authentication for greater precision.

Often, yes. Clear images of the signature, style, back labels, and any markings help match the work to known artists. Even unsigned pieces can sometimes be attributed through style analysis and art-historical research.

Texture, edges, numbering, and close-up analysis provide clear indicators. For more detail, see Original vs Print Artwork.

Unsigned works can still have value if the artist is identifiable through style, provenance, or period characteristics. Gallery labels, exhibition history, or family records may help establish attribution even without a visible signature.

Yes. Limited edition prints, especially by well-known artists like Warhol or Lichtenstein, can be worth thousands. Edition size, condition, and whether the print is signed and numbered all affect value. See our original vs print guide for details.

Not necessarily. Artist identity and market demand matter far more than age alone. A 200-year-old unsigned landscape may be worth less than a 50-year-old signed work by a listed artist. Our old painting value guide explains what actually drives pricing for older works.

Most valuations are delivered fast — typically within 24–48 hours. Complex or potentially high-value pieces may require additional research and take longer. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.

Ready to discover your artwork's value?

Upload photos now and receive a free research-backed estimate.