Online art appraisal
Free art appraisal online
Upload photos of your painting, print, drawing or sculpture and get an informal value estimate right away, without shipping anything or booking an appointment.
Get your free estimate
What an online estimate can tell you
- What the object most likely is: oil painting, watercolor, lithograph, giclée, poster, decorative canvas.
- Whether it shows signs of being a reproduction.
- What the signature and any labels on the back say.
- Style, school and approximate period.
- A realistic value range, and how confident that range is.
- Whether a formal appraisal is worth paying for.
What it can't do
Photos can't authenticate a work, measure paint layers, reveal restorations under UV light or confirm provenance. When an estimate suggests real value or a possible attribution to a known artist, the next step is a qualified appraiser who examines the piece in person.
Online estimate vs. formal appraisal
| Online estimate | Formal appraisal | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Your photos and details | In-person or detailed examination plus market research |
| Result | Value range and next steps | Signed written report with a stated purpose and type of value |
| Accepted by insurers and tax authorities | No | Yes (if the appraiser is qualified) |
| Cost | Free | Fee paid to the appraiser, see art appraisal cost |
| Time | About a minute | Days to weeks |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an online estimate and an appraisal?
An online estimate is an informal opinion of value based on photos. A formal appraisal is a written, signed report by a qualified appraiser who has examined the work, researched comparable sales and states the purpose and type of value. Insurers, tax authorities and courts expect the formal version.
When is an online estimate enough?
When you want to know whether something is worth more attention, whether to insure it, sell it or have it appraised, or when you are sorting through an estate and need to decide what matters.
When do I need a formal appraisal?
For insurance schedules, charitable donations, estate and inheritance tax, divorce settlements, and before selling something that could be valuable. In the United States, a donation of art valued above $5,000 requires a qualified appraisal (IRS Publication 561).
Is an AI estimate reliable?
It's a well-informed first opinion, not a verdict. It's best at recognizing what an object is (print or original, style, period, medium) and giving a sensible range. It can be wrong about attribution, and it can't see condition issues that a photo hides.
How long does it take?
Usually under a minute after you upload your photos.