Antique Painting Appraisers: What Collectors Need to Know

Introduction

For collectors of older works, appraising antique paintings requires a different approach than appraising contemporary or post-war art. These works often carry historical significance, present challenges in their condition, and have unique market considerations that require specialized expertise.

“Our specialty at Mercer Contemporary is large collections and estates spanning cross-category objects in multiple locations”, Nicole Bray, Mercer Contemporary

At Mercer Contemporary, we oversee both fine art appraisals and large-scale, cross-category collections by working with a trusted network of specialists. Whether you own a single antique painting or a collection spanning multiple categories, here’s what you need to know about antique painting appraisals.

1. Why Antique Paintings Require Specialized Appraisals

Unlike contemporary works, where market comparables are readily available, antique paintings present challenges:

Attribution – establishing the artist or school can dramatically change value.
Provenance – older works may lack documentation, requiring detailed research.
Condition – Centuries-old canvases often require conservation that impacts their value.
Market demand – interest in certain periods or schools fluctuates over time.

Because of these complexities, generalized appraisals are rarely sufficient.

2. Who Is Qualified to Appraise Antique Paintings?

For antique paintings, you need an appraiser who:

Is USPAP-certified and accredited through a professional body such as the Appraisers Association of America (AAA).
Has specialized expertise in older art – often with an art history background focused on the relevant period.
Has access to a network of conservators, scholars, and subject-matter experts.

At Mercer Contemporary, we draw on a global network of accredited appraisers and experts, ensuring even the most specialized works are valued credibly and defensibly.

3. What an Antique Painting Appraisal Includes

A professional appraisal of an antique painting will provide:

Detailed description of the work (artist, school, period, materials).
Condition report, often with input from a conservator.
Provenance and ownership history, as far as documentation allows.
Comparable sales data, adjusted for market conditions.
Final opinion of value, USPAP-compliant and accepted by insurers, attorneys, and the IRS.

4. Common Uses for Antique Painting Appraisals

Certified appraisals are essential for:

Insurance coverage: ensuring adequate replacement value.
Estate planning and probate: reporting fair market value to the IRS.
Charitable donations: securing IRS-compliant documentation for tax deductions.
Collection management: cataloging and preserving family collections.
Sales and Deaccessioning: understanding market value before selling.

5. Risks of Informal Valuations

Collectors often turn to galleries, dealers, or online resources for antique valuations – but these are not sufficient for serious purposes. Risks include:

Over- or undervaluation, leading to inadequate insurance or tax disputes.
Bias, especially if a dealer is interested in buying the work.
Non-compliance with IRS or legal standards.
Missed opportunities, if a significant attribution or provenance is overlooked.

Only a certified, accredited appraisal ensures accuracy and protection.

Why Mercer Contemporary

Mercer Contemporary provides:

USPAP-Certified Appraisals, accredited through the Appraisers Association of America (AAA).
Expertise in Modern, Post-War, Contemporary, and Emerging art – plus oversight of antique projects through a trusted global network of specialists.
Cross-category project management for large estates and family offices.
Collaboration with conservators, scholars, and subject-matter experts for historically significant works.
Reports trusted by attorneys, insurers, and the IRS.

Conclusion

Antique paintings are more than decorative objects – they are historical assets that require specialized care and valuation. With the right appraiser, collectors can ensure their works are credibly valued, properly protected, and integrated into broader estate and legacy planning.

Mercer Contemporary offers fine art appraisal, art advisory, and legacy planning services for UHNW collectors and family offices. To discuss an antique painting appraisal or cross-category project, please contact us.