Art value vs valuation: navigating the art market appraisal

Have you ever found yourself relying on an advisor's or gallery's appraisal of your artwork, only to be disappointed by the actual valuation or offers received? If so, you're not alone. The process of valuing artwork can be frustrating and complex, often leaving collectors feeling uncertain and undervalued.

As collectors, we often assign a higher value to our collections or artworks, typically influenced by personal perception, sentimental attachment, incomplete information, or sensationalised media reports. This valuation may also be swayed by exposure to biased opinions from individuals in the art industry who lack ethical standards.

Clarifying value vs valuation

As a first step, we have to make explicit that there is a difference between the Value and the Valuation of an artwork. Unfortunately, these two names are similar enough which makes it confusing, but are two very distinct things.

"Value" is inherently subjective, influenced by personal perceptions, cultural contexts, and changing trends within the art world and broader society. 

"Valuation" is an objective assessment of an artwork's market worth, also referred to as Fair Market Value (FMV), Market Value (MV) and Market Estimate. This process involves analysing various quantifiable factors to determine a price at which the artwork might reasonably be expected to sell to an informed and willing buyer, usually on the secondary market.

 The key difference is that the “Value” is an opinion, while the “Valuation” is a technical process. However, it's essential to clarify that while valuation is indeed a structured process, its outcome is, in essence, a well-informed and data-driven assessment, albeit still subject to interpretation.

Key points to grasp: 

- The Nature of Art Value

- The Process of Valuation

- Bridging Value and Valuation

The nature of art value

Artistic Merit: The brilliance and originality encapsulated in the artwork, which might include the artist's technique, innovative use of materials, or the emotional depth the piece conveys.

Provenance: The artwork's history of ownership, adding layers of context and authenticity. A storied provenance can elevate an artwork's value by connecting it to notable figures or historical events.

Rarity: The scarcity of the artwork. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece or a piece from a limited series often holds more value due to its uniqueness.

Cultural Significance: The role of the artwork in reflecting or influencing social movements, trends, or historical periods.

Condition: The physical state of the artwork, with well-preserved pieces generally regarded as more valuable.

Artist's Reputation: The stature of the artist within the art world. Renowned artists' works are often more valued for their contribution to art history and their market demand.

Artistic Merit, Provenance, Rarity, Cultural Significance, Condition, and Artist's Reputation are all factors contributing to the subjective perception of an artwork's value. Collectors often base their valuation on personal attachment, historical significance, or the reputation of the artist.

The process of valuation

Demand: The current market demand for the artist's work or similar pieces, which can fluctuate based on trends, collector interest, and broader economic conditions.

Liquidity: The ease with which the artwork can be sold. High demand increases liquidity, making it a crucial consideration in valuation.

Activity of Art Dealers: The decisions and actions of art dealers, such as acquisitions and sales, can significantly influence market prices and, consequently, valuations.

Market Data: Comprehensive analysis of sales volumes, auction results, and price trends provides a solid foundation for valuation. This data helps in understanding how similar artworks have been priced and sold in the market.

Valuation, on the other hand, is a structured process involving the analysis of quantifiable factors to determine an artwork's market worth. This process integrates factors such as Demand, Liquidity, Activity of Art Dealers, and Market Data to arrive at a Fair Market Value (FMV) or Market Estimate. This is a critical tool for insurance, sales, purchases, and investment decisions, reflecting an artwork's potential financial return in the current market.

Bridging value and valuation

The relationship between value and valuation is intricate. The distinction between art value and valuation is important for collectors seeking to navigate the art market effectively. While value speaks to the subjective appreciation and significance of an artwork, valuation provides a framework for making informed financial decisions. By understanding and integrating both concepts, collectors can appreciate the depth of art's impact beyond its price tag, while also engaging with the art market knowledgeably and strategically.

That’s why we believe that  Artscapy is key for every collector.  We have embedded every service necessary for collectors and investors, including valuations to keep track of the value of your collection, but also you can use our valuation for insurance quotes and financing. All in your Art Account. Request a comprehensive, confidential valuation here.