Condition Assessment Before Bidding, Purchase, or Acquisition

Collectors & Institutions Often Commission Condition Assessments Prior to Purchase

Purchasing a painting—whether at auction, through a gallery, or for a museum or foundation—can be a major investment. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving. A painting’s condition isn’t always apparent, and unseen issues can lead to unexpected conservation costs down the line.

To help collectors and institutions make informed decisions before placing a bid or finalizing a purchase, I provide independent condition assessments after examining paintings on-site. I do not appraise or assign monetary value to artworks—my role is strictly to evaluate condition and potential conservation needs.

Why This is Valuable.

It’s common for universities to request condition assessments before purchasing an alumni artist’s work for their collection, for hotels before acquiring artwork to display in their properties, for museums before accepting a donation, and for private collectors before making a gallery purchase or bidding at auction.

A painting may appear pristine under display lighting, but past restorations, structural weaknesses, or unstable materials can impact its longevity (and its true cost). A professional condition assessment ensures buyers understand what they’re acquiring, prevents them from incurring unexpected conservation costs, and helps institutions meet due diligence standards before committing.

What This Entails.

  • I typically coordinate with auction houses, galleries, or private sellers to examine paintings outside of public viewing hours or in a dedicated viewing space to allow for a thorough assessment with UV, visible light, magnification, and more.

  • Each assessment includes a comprehensive condition report that outlines the painting’s structural stability, surface condition, and any past conservation work that I can detect on-site. This report identifies issues like flaking paint, cracking, discolored or resistant coatings, past restorations, structural issues with the supports, and unstable artist materials that may affect its condition over time. I also assess whether existing varnish, overpainting, or past repairs have altered the painting’s appearance. My goal is to provide a clear, unbiased evaluation so buyers understand what they’re acquiring and can anticipate any potential conservation needs before making a purchase.

  • When purchasing from a gallery, auction house, or private seller, it’s important to have clarity on a painting’s history and condition. If needed, I can liaise directly with gallery staff, auction specialists, or donors to gather additional details about past conservation work, materials, or provenance. This ensures you have all the relevant information before making a decision.

  • If requested, I am happy to provide a proposed treatment report for any work examined on-site. Whether the client chooses to proceed with their purchase (or with treatment), they can use this report to make their decision. Proposed treatment reports include a list of all necessary and cosmetic treatments from which the painting would benefit, with estimated time and cost associated with each action. Bear in mind that certain issues must be addressed (i.e., consolidation of flaking or tented paint) before cosmetic improvements are made. Please also bear in mind that a more thorough examination and testing might be needed in studio to determine the full scope of treatment.

  • After completing the assessment, I’m happy to walk you through my findings and answer any questions before you finalize your purchase. Whether you’re weighing multiple pieces or want to understand potential conservation costs, this consultation ensures you have the information needed to move forward with confidence.

Where I examine paintings.

I am happy to examine paintings on-site at galleries, auction houses, warehouses, storage units, museums, universities, and private homes.

Get in touch.

elizabeth@centralcoastartconservation.com

(818) 326 - 3655

(805) 728 - 0650

Paso Robles, California

*currently accepting new clients with projects measuring less than 72 x 72”