Since Sotheby's founder Samuel Baker sold some 400 books from an estate library in London in 1744, the company has grown into an international auction house—handling some of the most important paintings, manuscripts and books in the world. Nan Chisholm appraised fine art for Sotheby's for more than 20 years, valuing paintings from the old masters to 20th century artists, before leaving to start her own appraisal/broker business four years ago. She can also be seen on the PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" offering her expert opinion on paintings from around the world. Now she tells Smithsonian.com just what her job is worth.
How did you get into this line of work?
Between college and graduate school, I had a fellowship at the Whitney Museum [of American Art] and I assumed I would end up working in a museum. Someone at the L.A. County Museum said, "You really need to get your PhD and go pay your dues." I thought, what else can I do? Another friend suggested, "Why don't you go to Sotheby's?" They had an auction house in Los Angeles at that time. I walked in the door and they hired me immediately to work at their exhibitions. So my first job was helping people find the lots they couldn't locate and being in charge of the keys to the locked cabinets.
What's the training or background required?
Having an art history background is great, but the artists you study in art history are ones that are well established. The best pieces are in museum collections, and that's certainly not what you're going to see walking into an auction house. The great thing about working at an auction house is it's like getting a degree in and of itself. If you're cataloguing, you're seeing a high volume of property. You get to handle everything, as opposed to looking at slides. You really learn so much every day. You're exposed to new artists, you're figuring out what is desirable for that artist and you're also learning about the fickle tastes that drive the market, as well as dealing with clients.
Describe your average day as an art appraiser.
I could get a phone call and someone could say, "Please help me sell this painting," or "I need an appraisal." That's the way it was at Sotheby's and that's what I always loved—the unpredictable day-to-day schedule. Right now, I'm involved with several appraisals so I'm doing a lot of price checking. There's usually a lot of phone and e-mail, and there's also running out to a gallery or going to an auction house exhibition to look at things for a prospective buyer.
You need to be a little bit of a detective. One thing I learned at Sotheby's is to have a healthy skepticism. If you're looking at a picture or a painting itself, you have to think: Does the signature look right? Does this compare well to things I've seen in the past? And then there's also being a little bit of a diplomat. If you have to give somebody bad news about something that they have always thought was going to be the nest egg for the kids' education, it's good if you can let them down gently.
Hi would like to get a estimate for a oil/water color painting with frame24" by 16" by Gloria Devereack.thank you
Posted by rene rivas on December 29,2007 | 09:59AM
Hi, I need your help. My mother in law passed away at Christmasand one thing she left behind for us is what appears to be an ivory tusk, 30" +/- long and 2 1/2"-3" in diameter wide. The entire tusk is carved with intricate shapes of animals,(lions,elephants, etc.) and it looks fantastic. My father in law, also deseased, brought it from Hungary about 50 years ago. There is no writing or identifing marks on it that I can see. I am certainly not a rich man, but am smart enough to know that if it is worth anything I need to get a rider on my homeowners insurance or put this away somewhere. I can send you photos if you are interested in taking a look. My wife and I would certainly appreciate any help that you can offer. Sincerely, Colin Barry
Posted by Colin Barry on January 9,2008 | 12:44PM
Hi, recently I have bought a self portrait drawing by Jackson Pollock. its a small 10x13 paper in china Ink. I´m a fan of Pollock and I have read a couple of books related to him and his work and also I had the luck of being in museums around the world seeing his work so I could say I have some experience on the artist. I bought this drawing at a very good price and because the first time I saw it, I was convinced that I had seen this drawing before. How can I verify its authenticity? I have a proffesional photograph of it. thanks
Posted by Eduardo Almarza on January 9,2008 | 05:57PM
HI my family has a painting we think is by alice daugherty the storie goes that she was commishioned by Mussulinni, this painting is of two women one hold a small child the other looking on and a small child trying to see the baby looking to find anything about the artist or painting.
Posted by Jonathan Pugh on January 21,2008 | 05:05PM
Hi, i would really like some help in verifying the authenticity of a painting that was past to me from my grandmother. The artist signature is Nicolai Civosky. I have done a little research on this artist,and have found many works of his that were similar to what I have. What I have is a painting of a table with a vase of flowers,fruit,and what I belive to be a mandolin in front of a window.In the background,a street scene of construction workers. The painting is about 42x31 in size. Any info given would be truly appreciated.
Posted by patricia dancy on January 22,2008 | 09:56PM
I would like to verify a oil painting I bought, the signature says SARTI, It is about a 8x10 size.
Posted by Mr Spiinelli on January 27,2008 | 08:26PM
I am interested and would like to have few original acrylic paintings to be evaluated/appraised. These paintings are done by my late husband, who was trained and painted for pleasures, since his line of professional was structural design which also influence him for light and color. His paintings mostly are landscape and abstract with plenty of beautyful color upon color showing various techniques and vibrant strokes of complexity resulting in fascinated paintings. I could provide some photographs should you be interested. I would be grately appreciated, if you could direct and/or guide me in process of having them appraised with the specialist. Thank you kindly for your time and assistance. Warm Regards, P.M. Nilsen
Posted by P. M. Nilsen on February 29,2008 | 04:17PM
After my father's recent death, we were cleaning out the basement, and came across an engraving of George Washington by J.H. Hills of a painting by G. Stuart. I'm 66 years old and I remember this picture hanging in my great grandparents house when I was a kid. I would like to know how I go about getting a value for this. It is in a large gold frame, but the engraving itself needs a lot of restoration, since it has mildew and dark areas on it. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by Dorothy Mistler on March 8,2008 | 08:32AM
Dear Ms. Chisholm: A long-time client recently made a gift to me of a 19th century oil painting by " W. Lundbarg " It is 40" x 28", and depicts a small village along a rocky fiord. It is in excellent condition , and in the original frame. The family history indicates it was brought to the U.S. in 1890 by clients grandparents who were Polish. I have very little about the artist, but the picture is very dramatic. I would appreciate any insight you could provide. Robert C Johnston
Posted by Robert C Johnston on March 18,2008 | 05:58AM
I recently purchased a beautiful painting with a signature J. Bentz. I have searched online and located a John Bentz who painted in the NJ area. The painting seems to be old with a wood "fancy" frame. Can you please recommend a website that would assist me in verifying the signature (it’s actually printed) to find out more about this painting? Or would you recommend a specific book that would help me do research? I love artwork but I am extremely ignorant to "published" artists and their artwork value. Thank you!
Posted by Linda Barfield on April 7,2008 | 06:41PM
I need an appraisal for: a Print of "Washington Crossing the Delaware" painted by E. Leutze and engraved by Paul Girardet Published in NY by Fishel, Adler & Schwartz Thank you, Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte on April 12,2008 | 07:28PM
I would greatly appreciate an apprisal of: a print of a drawing done by Don Stiver (and he signed it) The print is of: John Wayne at The Alamo (A movie was made about this in which John Wayne acted a part.) Thank you, Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte on April 12,2008 | 07:37PM
I don't know any thing about appraisals, so I am going to ask here for free information. I bought an Napoleon print in an old frame.Here is what it says. It is french, I think. Napoleone is under the picture of the person. It says below the picture: Defsine et grave par calamatta d a pres le platre original moule a Ste Helene par le Docteur Antommarchi It also starts out saying an address Paris chez and on the other side it says Et Chen Ritter et goupil, Boulevard Montmartre. Then there is Imprime par Chardon aine and a symbal with a date like 1864? or 1834? Thanks
Posted by Bill on April 29,2008 | 01:19PM
HI, I have a rather large pastel signed by Richard N. Brooke. The subject matter is a shepherd and his flock (depicted walking away from the viewer). It looks like it might be sunset/early evening. Any information on the artist and his art would be appreciated.
Posted by Pat Guevin on April 30,2008 | 12:59PM
I HAVE A PAINTING OF FRUIT THAT A FRIEND OF MINES MOTHER GAVE ME AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH SHIRLEY KERSET
Posted by shirley kersey on June 16,2008 | 04:11PM
Dear Ms. Chisholm: My Father has an oil painting that was given to him and his wife by an aunt. The painting is approximately 30" x 22" (guess). It is signed E J Hapgood or E J Hopgood 1911. There is writing on the back : A Bit of Autumn Painted from the old Slogg banks of the first iron foundry in America Situated on the Saugus River. (Saugus Massachusetts) I would love an appraisal to know if this painting is worth anything besides it's historical interest. Thank you.
Posted by Pam on July 6,2008 | 05:13PM
art is my life
Posted by rene falangani on July 9,2008 | 09:31AM
Have a painting by a world famous painter; bought it at a estate sale years back. Is it authentic? If so, what is its value? Would like to know. What is the next step?
Posted by Diana on July 19,2008 | 08:59PM
Many years ago; maybe 10/15 your mag had an article about Mexican artist named Margarito Mslchor. I have an animal carving bought on the side of the road maybe 15 years ago with this name on the bottom. Is it worth money? if so I would like to sell it. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide to me.
Posted by Susan Vogler on July 31,2008 | 08:16AM
Hi! Recently, while cleaning out an attic, I discovered a picture of 2 women in a boat punting on a lake. The size of the picture is 13 3/4 x 27 3/4. It looks like a pencil scetch. On the top of the picture it says "Copyright 1888 -Fishel, Adler & Schwartz, New York". It also appears to be signed by the artist, Frank H. Birkwell, in pencil. I need help with the appraisal of the picture in order to sell it. It is in a wooden frame with a wooden backing, overall size being 21" wide x 35 1/2" long. The condition of the frame and picture is excellent. Any help would be greatly appreciated. John Dwinnells
Posted by John Dwinnells on August 9,2008 | 10:10AM
hello i have albert beistadt painting called grainduer of the rockies 18-1902 29x71 with frame can you give me some info please......
Posted by mary on August 19,2008 | 08:43AM
My family has a water color painting by Lionel Bart painted in the late 1940's. Bart was a famous English composer,lyricist and songwriter, who wrote and produced the well known musical Oliver! (1960) as well as many other very successful musicals and songs for famous singers. He was born Lionel Begleiter but changed his name to Bart. He died in 1999 at age 68. Prior to his musical accomplishments, he was an accomplished painter but gave it up to pursue theatre. My mother-in-law has the painting as well as a letter from him (dated November 5, 1962)acknowledging the picture is a portrait of his mother. She still has the letter signed by him. The painting is beautiful and we would like to know if it has any value. We have digital photos of the painting and letter. What do you suggest for next steps? Thank you.
Posted by Jane Ospala on August 20,2008 | 04:14PM
I recently purchased a large 47" x 23" oil on Canvas depicting a quaint rural village seen. The Painting is signed "Sarti" and on the back it is stamped in red ink "Original Oil Paintings Made In Italy" It also carries a Stamp in black ink "International Fine Art Galleries Art of the World Galleries phone # 213-984-2011" Above the stamp is the # 122332833 ". It certainly looks to be authentic and very old. I would very much like to know more about it especially the artist backround and perhaps an estimate of it's value. Thanks in advance for any info. Travis Frazier
Posted by Travis Frazier on August 24,2008 | 02:05PM
Dear Ms. Chisholm, I contacted you back in July regarding several works of fine art which you said you were interested in. We exchanged E-mails through your Blackberry. You were out of the country and we agreed to touch base again upon your return. The items are family pieces, including a large oil painting attributed to Grimeau, six animal Barye bronzes and several beautiful Tallyrand-Perigord inlaid tables. I have photos of all of these pieces (taken at your request) which I am ready to send to you if you are ready. Warm regards, GB
Posted by Gaston de Bearn on August 29,2008 | 12:15PM
I have 4 19th century theatre prints of famous Shakespearean actors playing their roles. They say on the backs that they are watercolors but I'm wondering if they are really painted lithographs. They say Junius Brutus Booth as Richard III, "Thomas Sully;" Ben de Bar as Falstaff, original from life by "Sarony;" Edmund Kean as Richard III, W.H. Watts; and Edwin Forrest as King Lear, after original life photo by "Brady." My major professor gave me these prints about 35 years ago. The Furness Image Collection at the University of Pennsylvania has all four of these prints among many, many others. As I get older I want to pass on these prints responsibly and am trying to find out what their value might be. Thank you.
Posted by Judy Ashford on September 13,2008 | 07:12AM
I inherited a painting by Luis Jimenez, a Spnish painter who spent most of his career in the Paris area. The painting is 36" x 23 1/4" and is in perfect condition. It is signed and above the signature is a notation "Pontis 1903. I would like to get it appraised for insurance purposes. Bonham & Butterfield offered to auction it when we delivered other art items to be auctioned, but because I did not want to sell this painting all I got was an estimate of value which my insurer could not use as a basis of insuring it. If you send me an email address I can send you a photo of the painting.
Posted by Jon W. Upton on September 18,2008 | 08:23AM