Fine Art Appraisals & Market Evaluations

John Sumner provides independent, market-based fine art appraisals for insurance and informational
purposes.  With decades of experience in private sales, auction transactions, and direct engagement with
collectors and galleries, evaluations are grounded in comparable market data and real-world sales
activity — not speculation or asking prices.
John Sumner is co-creator of the documentary series Finding Hidden Masterpieces and author of the
forthcoming book Confessions of an Art World Insider, both examining the realities of the art world from
an insider’s perspective.
Each appraisal is prepared individually and delivered as a formal written document.​

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Fee

$300 per artwork
For insurance and informational purposes only. Payment is required prior to preparation of the written
appraisal.

Typical turnaround time: 5–7 business days.

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Scope of Service

• Review of submitted images and documentation
• Artist identification (where possible)
• Medium and condition assessment
• Comparable market analysis
• Fair Market Value estimate
• Insurance Replacement Value estimate
• Formal written PDF appraisal document

Submission Process

1 Submit high-resolution images (front, back, signature detail).

2 Include dimensions and any known provenance.
3 You will receive confirmation and invoice for $300 per artwork.
4 Upon payment, a written appraisal will be prepared and delivered via PDF.

Please Note

• This is not a USPAP-certified appraisal.
• No guarantee of authentication is provided.
• No guarantee of resale value is implied.
• Verbal or unpaid value estimates are not offered.
• Asking prices and gallery listings are not considered final market value.

This service reflects professional market experience and comparable sales research.
Appraisal Fee: $300 per artwork