Value of Old Paintings: Artist, Signature, Medium, Size, Provenance and Condition
Evaluate old painting value by documenting artist, signature, medium, size, subject, frame, provenance, photos, and condition.
Free first step
Found an old painting and want to know if it matters?
Upload photos. We identify the object, check real sales, and show the right appraisal path.
Quick old painting value checklist
- Artist and signature: signed, unsigned, attributed, after, school of, or unknown.
- Medium: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, gouache, tempera, mixed media, panel, canvas, board, or paper.
- Size and subject: portraits, landscapes, marine scenes, still lifes, abstraction, regional views, or historical subjects.
- Condition: tears, flaking, craquelure, overpaint, relining, grime, water damage, frame damage, and repairs.
- Provenance: labels, gallery stamps, receipts, exhibition history, family records, and prior appraisals.
What drives old painting value
Artist identity is often the largest value driver, but it is not the only one. A listed artist, strong subject, good size, original surface, and clean provenance can support value. A weak attribution, poor condition, later reproduction, or decorative copy can limit value even when the painting looks old.
Do not clean the surface, remove the frame, repaint losses, or add varnish before identification. Original condition evidence matters.
When a free screener is enough
Use the free screener when you need a first read on artist, medium, subject, condition, and whether market evidence exist. It is useful for inherited paintings, unsigned works, attic finds, and pieces with unclear signatures.
When to get a professional appraisal
Use a professional appraisal for insurance, estate records, donation, resale, or a painting that may involve a listed artist. For report format, see the professional sample report.
Photo checklist before you upload
- Full front, full back, frame, stretcher, labels, inscriptions, and hanging hardware.
- Close-up of the signature, date, gallery labels, inventory numbers, and damaged areas.
- Side photo showing canvas, board, panel, or paper thickness.
- Any receipts, prior appraisals, exhibition records, artist notes, or family history.
- Measurements of the artwork and frame.
Choose your next step
Use the path that matches the decision you need to make about the item.
Need a signed report?
Use this for insurance, estate, donation, resale, or documented value decisions.
Start a signed reportNot sure it is worth appraising?
Start with a lower-friction screen to understand the likely category, evidence, and next step.
Use the free screenerNeed local or specialist help?
Compare directory options when the work needs in-person review or a specialist near you.
Find art appraisersSee what the report looks like
Sample reports show how photos, comparable evidence, condition notes, and a value conclusion are documented.
We identify the work, check real sales where available, and tell you whether a free screen or signed appraisal makes sense.
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