For a lot of us, when it comes to appraising artworks, the focus is often on the provenance or the reputation of the creator. But there is another vital factor that experts examine: condition. A good appraisal doesn’t just depend on the artist or the date. It also depends on the quality and the history of the object itself.
Before you can even start to appraise the artwork, the condition must be assessed. You will examine all sorts of details; are there marks or cracks? Have there been problems with humidity or sunlight that has made the work discoloured or faded? The surface of a painting will be inspected for problems such as paint loss, cracks, canvas warping and water damage. If it is a three-dimensional work, you will be checking to see if it is intact and has no significant chips, breaks, losses, restoration, or signs of instability. This is a crucial step of the process for an appraiser and will be important in determining the value of the work.
The damage or condition is a significant aspect that could be very important to the value of an artwork. If a piece is older and has a little age, this is perfectly normal. However, if the damage is significant or restoration work has been done, it will have an effect on how it is valued. If it is restored, you need to ensure that it has been done professionally and with similar materials to the original work as it could have a detrimental effect on the overall piece. However, this does not mean that if an artwork is restored it cannot be valued. A well-executed conservation treatment, done by a qualified professional, will not diminish the value of an artwork and will actually help to preserve the piece for future generations. In fact, conservation treatment can help to maintain the value of a work and many museums and collectors will invest in the preservation of an item.
How a piece has been stored and displayed is also vital and can have a long-lasting impact on the artwork. Sunlight, humidity and temperature can change and cause damage to items if they aren’t stored and displayed correctly. If you look at paper-based items, they will become brittle and colours will fade and if you were to look at a three-dimensional work made from wood, it could rot over time and this is why when we look at the condition of an item, you will want to think about the history of that object. Collectors and institutions often will ask for a condition report for artworks before buying an item. These reports will outline the state of the item, any repairs or restoration and will also tell you if any other treatment may be necessary at a later date.
If you think about it, two pieces of artwork from the same artist could be worth vastly different amounts if they are in different condition. If one has been kept in good condition, while the other has significant damage to it. If it was two pieces in the same condition, they would have similar values. However, preservation of an object and its age and its history can also help to influence value and if two items are similar in their condition you can often expect similar valuations. As appraisers, it is a vital skill and a large part of the job to be able to examine the condition of an item and understand how it has survived the years. This will involve a thorough and detailed assessment of the piece and also a combination of research to ensure you understand how age, restoration and preservation can affect a work. Ultimately, the condition of an object can help to tell the history of an object and can also help to reveal how it has fared over time and for its future.