A fine art appraisal is a necessity for any collection of significant value which also serves as a useful record of a collection at a point in time.
Camille Corot
Elise Arnoult Miller, AAA has been providing fine art appraisals for private and corporate clients for over ten years. She completed her appraisal studies at NYU and is a Certified Member of The Appraisers Association of America, the premier national association of appraisers specializing in fine and decorative arts. All members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics which ensures unparalleled standards of professionalism. Elise’s practice is compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which is updated every two years. Her appraisals are objective, confidential and thorough, meeting or exceeding the standards of legal professionals, insurance companies and the IRS.
FAQs
Wheeler Williams
When is an appraisal necessary?
Some examples include: insuring your collection, insurance claims after damage or loss of property, when making a charitable donation above a certain value, for equitable distribution in case of divorce, and estate planning or inheritance.
What is the process?
The works are examined, measured and photographed. Thorough research is conducted using multiple sources, and a report is produced. You are then presented with a bound copy of the report along with additional printed and digital copies for your files. Your appraisal will include photos and full descriptions of each piece along with a value conclusion and a discussion of process, the approach to value, and the market.
What does it cost?
Each appraisal assignment is unique. Get in touch to discuss your particular requirements. Once the scope of the assignment is decided, we will provide a personalized quote. The cost of the appraisal is not related to the value of the appraised property.
What is it worth?
If your objective is simply to get an idea of the value of a work you are thinking of selling, we can provide a market analysis as an advisory service; no appraisal is necessary. A market analysis is also useful if you are considering acquiring a work, but want to be confident the asking price is fair.
Why is “USPAP” important?
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is the generally recognized ethical and performance standard for the appraisal profession in the United States, adopted by Congress in 1989. USPAP, published by The Appraisal Foundation in partnership with the US Department of Justice, is updated every two years. USPAP compliant appraisers are required to take a 7-hour USPAP update course biennially in order to stay current on the latest standards.
“There is only one valuable thing in art: the thing you cannot explain”