Understanding the value of art can be more complicated than many people realize. Between auction sales, insurance appraisals, market trends, and artist reputation, there are a number of misconceptions that often lead collectors to misunderstand what their artwork is truly worth. At Roth|Escher Art Group, we regularly help clients navigate these questions through appraisals, advisory services, and collection management. Below are some of the most common misconceptions we encou

Usually not. While a receipt or purchase invoice can be helpful documentation, it is not the same as an appraisal and often does not provide the information needed for insurance coverage, estate planning, charitable donation, equitable distribution, or resale planning. A receipt simply reflects what was paid at a particular moment in time. It does not account for changes in the market, identify the correct type of value needed, or include enough detail to properly describe th

And how to protect your collections from them Thank you to our colleagues at The American Institute for Conservation & Foundation for Advancement in Conservation for publishing this valuable information. Nothing lasts forever. Even the most outwardly sturdy objects are vulnerable to damage and time. Through conservation and preservation, we can prolong the lifespan of an object, but there are specific “Agents of Deterioration” that pose risks to treasured items. By learning a

Protecting Your Collection in Late Summer Heat and Early Fall Humidity Humidity and heat can damage artwork, textiles, and furniture. A few preventive steps now can save thousands in restoration costs later. Keep works on paper and textiles away from direct sunlight. Monitor indoor humidity, aim for 40–55%. If moving or storing items during a remodel, use climate-controlled storage. Avoid putting your art at risk with DIY projects, hire a trusted art handling firm to move, re

Unexpected loss is something most people assume will never happen to them… until it does. When it comes to art, collectibles, and residential contents, underinsurance is often discovered only after a claim is filed, when it is too late to correct. The good news: a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few steps that can help you protect what you own before the unexpected happens: ✓ Make sure art and valuables are appraised every 3-5 years ✓ Have an inventory with photo

Will AI Replace Appraisers and How it Impacts our Profession. The world is abuzz about the use of AI and how it may replace some professions. A hot button topic is the use of AI in appraising. The media purports that AI will soon replace appraisers, revolutionizing our industry. We wanted to review some of the developments, concerns, upsides, and best practices regarding the use of AI in our field. This past November, at the annual Of Value Conference hosted by the Appraiser

Doesn't art usually appreciate in value over time? The value of artwork held for an extended period may depreciate for several reasons. Market demand for specific artists, styles, or mediums can shift over time as collector tastes evolve and new artists emerge. If an artist’s market has softened due to decreased visibility, fewer exhibitions, reduced gallery representation, or lower auction performance, earlier purchases may no longer command the prices they once did. Additio