How Much Is My Painting Worth?
Upload a photo of your artwork and get a free AI-powered value estimate. Our system analyzes artist, style, condition, and current market trends.
No credit card required. Results in minutes.
Types of Artwork We Appraise
From Old Masters to contemporary art, our AI has been trained on thousands of artworks across every medium and period. Try our free online antique appraisal for any artwork.
Oil Paintings
Portraits, landscapes, still lifes, abstracts - from 18th century to contemporary
Watercolors & Gouache
Works on paper including botanical art, landscapes, and illustrations
Drawings & Sketches
Pencil, charcoal, pastel, and ink works including studies by known artists
Prints & Lithographs
Etchings, engravings, woodcuts, serigraphs, and limited edition prints
What Determines a Painting's Value?
Artist Attribution
The artist's identity is the primary value driver. A verified signature from a listed artist can mean the difference between $500 and $500,000. Even works by lesser-known period artists have collector value.
Provenance & Exhibition History
Documented ownership history, gallery labels, exhibition records, and auction records all increase value. A painting that hung in a notable collection or museum can command significant premiums.
Condition
Surface condition, canvas integrity, and quality of any restoration significantly impact value. Cracking, flaking, discoloration, or over-cleaning can reduce value substantially. Professional conservation can preserve value.
Size & Subject Matter
Market preferences vary. Generally, moderate sizes (24"x30" to 36"x48") sell best. Desirable subjects like landscapes, marine scenes, and portraits of beautiful women typically outsell religious or dark subjects.
Market Trends
Art markets fluctuate. Impressionism remains strong, while Academic art has softened. Contemporary art can be volatile. Regional artists may sell better locally. Our AI considers current market data.
Is My Painting an Original or a Print?
Signs of an Original Painting
- Visible brushstrokes and paint texture (impasto)
- Uneven paint surface when viewed at an angle
- Canvas texture visible through thin paint areas
- Colors continue onto the sides of the canvas
- Signed in paint, not printed
- May have gallery labels on stretcher bars
Signs of a Print/Reproduction
- Flat, uniform surface with no texture
- Dot pattern visible under magnification
- Perfect, machine-like precision
- Paper substrate instead of canvas
- Printed signature (part of the image)
- Canvas prints may have artificial "brushstroke" texture
Not sure? Our AI can often distinguish originals from reproductions based on your photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can't read the signature. Can you still appraise it?
Yes! Our AI analyzes style, technique, period, and subject matter to estimate value even without a legible signature. Include a close-up of the signature area - we can often enhance or interpret unclear signatures.
Is my painting worth getting professionally appraised?
Start with our free AI appraisal. If our estimate suggests significant value (typically $1,000+), consider a professional in-person appraisal for insurance or sale. For valuable works, authentication by a catalogue raisonné scholar may be worthwhile.
Should I clean or restore my painting before selling?
Do not clean or attempt any restoration yourself - you could permanently damage the work. A light dusting is fine, but leave cleaning to professional conservators. Sometimes buyers prefer to oversee restoration themselves.
What photos should I include?
Include: front view in good light (no flash), signature close-up, back of canvas/frame, any labels or stamps, and areas of damage or repair. Take photos in natural light near a window for best results.
Discover What Your Painting Is Worth
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