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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 613 — How to Tell If Your Old Paintings Need a Professional Appraisal
Old paintings found in attics, inherited from family, purchased at estate sales, or rediscovered in storage can range from simple decorative pieces to historically or financially significant artworks. Knowing when a painting truly needs a professional appraisal can save money, prevent mistakes, and reveal hidden value.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 613 provides a complete, non-destructive workflow for determining whether a painting warrants expert evaluation. You’ll learn how to assess originality, signatures, age indicators, condition issues, provenance clues, subject matter, and market demand using the same observational methods trusted by professional appraisers.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Distinguish original artworks from prints and reproductions
Evaluate signatures, artist names, and research indicators
Identify age clues such as craquelure, varnish darkening, canvas wear, nails, tacks, and old frames
Assess materials: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, board, canvas, handmade supports
Evaluate subject matter that carries strong collector demand
Identify condition issues that require expert review
Recognize valuable labels: galleries, exhibitions, auction houses, studios
Interpret provenance and ownership history
Research artist market presence and auction records
Spot red flags for decorative or low-value works
Apply the complete DJR non-destructive painting evaluation workflow
Know exactly when a full appraisal is recommended
Whether you are sorting an estate, preparing items for insurance, considering restoration, researching an artist, or evaluating inherited artwork, this guide gives you the expert structure needed to determine whether your painting deserves a professional appraisal.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
Old paintings found in attics, inherited from family, purchased at estate sales, or rediscovered in storage can range from simple decorative pieces to historically or financially significant artworks. Knowing when a painting truly needs a professional appraisal can save money, prevent mistakes, and reveal hidden value.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 613 provides a complete, non-destructive workflow for determining whether a painting warrants expert evaluation. You’ll learn how to assess originality, signatures, age indicators, condition issues, provenance clues, subject matter, and market demand using the same observational methods trusted by professional appraisers.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how experts:
Distinguish original artworks from prints and reproductions
Evaluate signatures, artist names, and research indicators
Identify age clues such as craquelure, varnish darkening, canvas wear, nails, tacks, and old frames
Assess materials: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, board, canvas, handmade supports
Evaluate subject matter that carries strong collector demand
Identify condition issues that require expert review
Recognize valuable labels: galleries, exhibitions, auction houses, studios
Interpret provenance and ownership history
Research artist market presence and auction records
Spot red flags for decorative or low-value works
Apply the complete DJR non-destructive painting evaluation workflow
Know exactly when a full appraisal is recommended
Whether you are sorting an estate, preparing items for insurance, considering restoration, researching an artist, or evaluating inherited artwork, this guide gives you the expert structure needed to determine whether your painting deserves a professional appraisal.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access