At an "Antiques Roadshow" taping in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2006, Nan Chisholm appraises a landscape of Glacier Park by the American artist, John Fery. The estimated value: $15,000-$20,000. At an "Antiques Roadshow" taping in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2006, Nan Chisholm appraises a landscape of Glacier Park by the American artist, John Fery. The estimated value: $15,000-$20,000.

Jeffrey Dunn for WGBH

FOR HIRE: Fine Art Appraiser

Former Sotheby's paintings appraiser Nan Chisholm evaluates her work

  • By Cate Lineberry
  • Smithsonian.com, July 01, 2007

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    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.

    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.

    Describe your day as an appraiser for "Antiques Roadshow."

    We usually get around 6,000 people at each Roadshow, and they each bring two things. So that's approximately 12,000 appraisals. There are maybe 80 appraisers—five are paintings appraisers. We get there at 7 in the morning and sometimes don't leave until 7 at night. Out of all those appraisals all day long, they tape about 50 segments. At the painting table, there are always long lines. My theory is it's because people watch the show and realize that paintings can be among the most expensive items.

    What's the most interesting part of the job?

    It really is meeting people—either seeing what they bring in or else going to their house and seeing the collection they've put together over the years. There are always these great stories. A couple weeks ago, I saw this fantastic painting by this American artist named Bror Julius Olsson Nordfeldt, who is Swedish by birth. I saw [the owner] take it out of the box it was in and thought, Wow! It's from circa 1915 and has great colors. It is an oil on canvas and the subject is two Portuguese fishermen in Provincetown; on the reverse is another painting of some bathers in a landscape. She and her husband had inherited the painting from his father, and it had always been displayed as the nudes in a landscape. They never realized there was a second painting until they took it off the wall. Ironically, the fishermen are actually the more desirable subject. I told her it could sell for around $100,000. She had no idea.

    What has been your most exciting moment on the job?

    It's always very exiting when a painting you discover sells very well. There was a painting by José María Velasco I appraised at a charitable fundraiser that had been purchased around 1930. Velasco is considered a national treasure in Mexico and is coveted by Mexican collectors. When that generation [that bought it] died, the children inherited it. They knew it was worth a certain amount of money, but none of us anticipated the result. With an estimate of $600,000 to $800,000, it made almost $2.5 million and broke the previous record price of $300,000.

    What's the biggest misconception about the work?

    People think it's so glamorous. I can't tell you how many times I've been in dusty old houses—and I have an allergy to dust. I can think of a few appraisals where the conditions have been pretty terrible.

    People also think I can remember everything. They'll say, "How much did it sell for?" We all use Internet sites to look up prices. It's nice to have a general sense, but sometimes people expect your brain to be equivalent to a database. It's flattering, but a bit unrealistic.

    Any advice for people cleaning out their garages or attics?

    I would say, having heard a few horror stories, to always look for a signature on a painting and examine the reverse side. If it's something they're uncomfortable selling, they need to check with someone reliable. If the work is attributed to a major artist, one can always make an appointment with the local art museum curator to verify authenticity. They won't give you a value, but if you found out that something was indeed a Winslow Homer, you could then have the work appraised.

    One time this woman called me from Nebraska and said, "I have a Joshua Reynolds." I told her to send me a photograph and measurements. It wasn't a Reynolds. I'm thinking, how do I get this across to her? I say, "Listen, you don't have a painting by the

    Reynolds but by Joe Blow Reynolds." The next day I get this fax: "I have gone to the library, I have searched on the Internet, and I just want to tell you there is no Joe Blow Reynolds. You don't know anything."

    What are the downsides to your job?

    It's just like anything else, you get overwhelmed. You feel too busy. But when I stop and think, I get to look at art for my job and talk to people about it. I think, what could be better? I'm very happy with what I do.


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    Comments

    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 | 12:59 PM

    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 | 03:44 PM

    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 | 08:57 PM

    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 | 08:05 PM

    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 | 12:56 AM

    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 | 11:26 PM

    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 | 07:17 PM

    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 | 11:32 AM

    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 | 08:58 AM

    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 | 09:41 PM

    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 | 10:28 PM

    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 | 10:37 PM

    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 | 04:19 PM

    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 | 03:59 PM

    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 | 07:11 PM

    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 | 08:13 PM

    art is my life

    Posted by rene falangani on July 9,2008 | 12:31 PM

    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 | 11:59 PM

    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 | 11:16 AM

    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 | 01:10 PM

    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 | 11:43 AM

    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 | 07:14 PM

    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 | 05:05 PM

    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 | 03:15 PM

    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 | 10:12 AM

    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 | 11:23 AM

    Dear Mrs Chisholm i had previously contacted you via your personal e-mail regarding a painting by R.Harley.i'd like to know if this is the same painter who made "the musicians"and "le chiem".this painting shows two women.one holding up a torch.i can send you pictures of the painting.thank you.

    Posted by abdel on December 2,2008 | 05:35 PM

    Hi, my sister moved into a new home. In her attic there were about 500 Life Magazines ranging from the 1930-1980's left behind. She also has antique furniture, paintings and old books that she does not know what to do with them. We believe that a lot of the things left in her attic may be of significant value. Please help us figure the costs of these items. Thank you Evelyn

    Posted by evelyn santiago on January 10,2009 | 08:12 PM

    I have an oil painting by gabriel biessy of a gondola in the water with a background of ancient brick buildings. It is signed by gabriel biessy with a date of 1915. I know this is a french painter and sometimes goes under the name of marie gabriel biessy. I have no idea if this painting is worth anything. Can you please direct me as how I can find out the value? Thank you. Marlene hartung

    Posted by marlene hartung on February 18,2009 | 12:39 PM

    Hello.

    I have 2 "railway" scenery paintings I would like to get an appraisal on....one by G Horne Russel--another by Rafal Malczewski...both need cleaning....

    I also have 2 oil paintings by Johann Mongales Culverhouse....both need to cleaned--one needs repair as there is a small hole in it...

    I would like to put these paintings up for sale---but do not know of anyone who cleans paintings in my area.

    I do need a proper appraisal first. Do you do appraisals on-line? Jody Leopold; Menasha WI

    Posted by Jody Leopold on April 9,2009 | 09:19 PM

    I need an appraia sal of an original religious oil painting

    Posted by Loren iebel on April 10,2009 | 02:02 PM

    I have some items taken from my mothers house after her death. Two are oil paintings. The signatures are hard to read. One is of a harbor scene dated 1946, by either tt cooke or tj cooke. The harbor scene seems to be New England. The other is of two women by a waterfall, I think the signature is Lee. I would like to know what I have to do to get these paintings researched.

    Posted by albert bayne on April 19,2009 | 05:47 PM

    Hi, After some research I believe I have an original Pastel 15 X 20 by Marian Cruger Coffin, she was not and artist as her main profession. Marian (1887-1957) was the first female Landscape Architect. She was very famous for her exqusite works on the DuPonts in Delaware, Vanderbilts estates and so on. The pastel is dated 1937, Marian would have been 60 yrs. old ,perhaps retired. An expert on Marian Coffin, said she very well may have done some art work, as most landscape architects were also artists. Additionally, Marian was very fond of "delphinium" and that is what the pastel is- A VASE OF BLUE AND PURPLE DELPHINIUM- Canyou help me? This may be the only one existing. Thanks so much, Kathy Corrigan

    Posted by Mrs Kathy Corrigan on May 12,2009 | 11:46 AM

    I have two oil paintings, which appear to be old. Painted on a wood and framed in gold painted plaster frame. One corner of each frame is broken. I have tried to look you up in New York, can you please inform me how I can go about having the paintings appraised? Thanksing you kindly, Bill

    Posted by Bill Piontek on May 13,2009 | 01:08 PM

    I would like to receive an appraisal of a watercolor by Lilly Brody that I own. I understand that some of her work has been displayed at the Whitney Museum. Thank You, Elton Murray

    Posted by Elton Murray on May 25,2009 | 10:05 PM

    Hi, I have a an original oil from Protugal brought back apprx. 45 years ago. It is of boats and buildings, rather detailed... signed by the artist and I have pictures I can email to you both the painting and a close up of the signature. I wonder if you can either give us an estimate of its worth or sell it for us? thanks much. Maggie

    Posted by Margaret Webb, C.D.A. on May 31,2009 | 10:41 AM

    I recently purchased a very old oil painting; a still life, believed to be of French origin, with the signature Jacquet Del'ailla or possibly Jacquet Detailla. Any information you can provide as to the origin of this painting or anything you can tell me about this painter would be greatly appreciated. Is it French? How old is the painting? Who is the artist, etc. I have photographs of the item I can send to you if you need it. Thank you very much for your expertise and your assistance. Rae

    Posted by Rae L. Coleman on June 12,2009 | 03:52 AM

    iI have a painting,it is done in chalk,i have had it authenticated,it is done between middle to late 1800's it is( Black Memorabilia ) It is of Black people eating watermelon on a porch with a sign on the wall saying Poachers will be dealt with accordingly.

    Posted by Paula Olinger on July 13,2009 | 08:52 PM

    I have two pen and watercolor drawings 5 x 7 matted to 8 x 10. One is titled Le Canal and the other Le Marais and it looks like Barut as the signature but the B actually looks like a backward C with 2 vertical lines through it. The original work is beautiful and appears old but I cannot find anything about this artist. I am guessing they were possibly done by a street painter but again, have no idea. How does someone find out the history on somthing like this. Any ideas?

    Posted by T.J. Winders on August 22,2009 | 10:08 PM

    My family has a very old painting supposedly painted on the Chisholm Trail by Gussie Chisholm dated 1897. It was purchased at garage sale and had been in their family for years. The canvas is nailed to a wood frame and the corners are secured with pieces of tin. It is in poor condition from the elements and needs to be restored but very nice painting. I cannot find any information on this artist. Can you help? Thanks

    Posted by Florence Foreman on August 24,2009 | 12:34 PM

    Ms. Chisholm:

    Can you handle, or recommend an broker to handle the authentication/appraisal/disposition of two (2) landscape oils (12w x 16h) by Willard F. Clark? I believe they represent his early work (1928-1942) in Santa Fe.

    Thank You.

    Terry Ferguson

    Posted by Terry Ferguson on September 8,2009 | 05:31 PM

    I have a framed, signed and numbered picture of The Wait at Gettysburg by Don Stivers. Are you able to tell me what it is worth and where I can find a dealer in PA to sell it.

    Thanks
    Amy

    Posted by Amy on September 14,2009 | 04:57 PM

    I have an lithograph of soldiers kneeling and praying in a cathedral that has the date 1919 in the right hand corner. The 19s are divided by what looks kinda like a fan in between them. You can see where the cathedral has been damaged by the bombs and there are statues of the saints along both walls between the great columns. It has a large crestent window showing in the background above arched windows behind the alter. It is signed in pencil but we can not make out the signature. It has some damage to it. I bought an old frame at a yard sale and when I went to take the old paper print out that had been damaged I found this lithograph. It had been used as a backing for the paper print. I would like to have it appraised and sell it if it is worth anything, if not I'd like to have it framed if it can be done without doing further damage to it.

    Posted by Sharon K Stewart on October 13,2009 | 07:19 PM

    You have a very rich background and I would appreciate your coaching. Whom could I approach at the Smithsonian to display my works? My medium is scratchboard. I have 40 years worth of work and have not marketed my works, other than two collectors. I would gladly send you low res images for your review and comments.
    Respectably,
    Paul Hopman

    Posted by paul hopman on October 14,2009 | 08:15 AM

    I have 3 oil paintings, two of the paintings are approx. 18x15, the other is approx 24x20. They are framed in a very heavy gold frame, which from the back looks hand made and Made In France is imprinted on the wood. The painter is Madyne. I have no idea if they are worth keeping but would like to have an idea of what I should do with them. They are landscapes, very french. Hopefully you can direct me what to do from here or give insight to the paintings.
    Thanks very much.

    Posted by Chere Catena on November 4,2009 | 10:31 AM

    I have a 12 X 16 watercolour which I think is an original painted by Carlo Chiostri (late 1800's to early 1900's) He was the illustrator for the story of Pinnochio in Italy.

    Would this painting be worth anything and how would I go about getting it appraised?

    I would appreciate any information you could give me.

    Posted by barbara sheridan on November 8,2009 | 03:13 PM

    Hi, my name is jeanette and I purchased a gold leaf boarder print in dallas,Tx I purchased this print in 2000, just because I like the setting. The print contains white cranes by water and some flying in air, against a drop background that look like mount fugi. The background is also white with some gold. On the back of the protrait/print frame is a silver and blue seal - FB(Fleck Bros) with the number 1448 on the back. I would appreciate any information you could give me.

    Posted by Jeanette Butler on November 16,2009 | 05:22 PM

    I have an old painting of what looks like work boats, fishing boats with sails. It appears they are running from an impending storm in rough seas. It is 12" wide by 7" high and is signed (the first three letters are clearly Sha_ _,Sha_ _ _, could be Share, Shape, Shapeg, Sharf, Shark, Sharc, Shade. There might be an accent mark over the fourth letter. I would like to send you a photocopy of it, please send me your address. It also has a beautiful gilted frame, probably of the same era. I would also like to get an appraisal. I look forward to your reply.

    Please tell Antiques Roadshow to visit Phoenix in the winter. Thanks.

    Posted by Robert J. Biebel on November 19,2009 | 12:24 PM

    Hi, I have a painting of a drunk man sitting at a table, the artist signature read WORTH 1957, can you tell me anything about this painting.

    Posted by wanda on November 29,2009 | 03:20 PM

    Hello Nan, I was hoping you could shed some light on a painting we have. One is a Dom Mingola it is a two headed emmit kelly clown face approx 12 x 16 not done in his normal medium this is an enamel. He did sign it to my inlaws when they purchased over 25 years ago. Could you please shed some light on its worth.

    The other is an artist named D. Arthur Wilson we have several orginal which are pastel on european matte board. Very large wildlife head studies 3' x 3' and larger. then we have several of his first original hand pulled litho. can you shed some light as to what they might be worth.
    thanks a million.

    Best Regards,
    Scott Pall

    Posted by scott Pall on December 4,2009 | 05:21 PM

    I have A Dom Mingolla painting of Emmit Kelly (12x16) titled EXPRESSIONS. The title was omitted from the front of the painting. Does it have any other value than sentimental.
    Thank you.

    Posted by arthurbarocas on December 17,2009 | 08:42 AM

    Ihave two watercolors entitled "central park new york"they seem to be done in penand ink and watercolor over the drawings. they are signed "selby"one shows skaters in the park the other shows rowboaters on the lake with the bridge above them. I have no idea of art other than i like what i see.I also have a country scene I think it may be done in crayon or a pastel and it is signed by " K nelis 28 ". If you can help me in any way it would be I guess nice to know what I might have or have not.thank you for your kind consideration and understanding. Andrew

    Posted by Andrew J. Indelicato on December 28,2009 | 09:49 PM

    Hello,

    I have a small oilpainting in a plain, wooden frame.
    It looks like an Andalusian street scene. People walking, tall buildings in the background; a tree and flowers.
    The colors are darker, almost a bit gloomy.
    It is signed Flender, Fendere, Fledere,or whatever.
    On the back of the canvas is a vague stamp, 3 by 2 cm
    with letters and Numbers, hardly visible.
    Written in this stamp with black marker are the words
    "Monmart 1976, France.
    The painting is about 40 by 30 cm.

    Your comments would be grately appriciated. Thank You,
    Regina Wiencek

    Posted by Regina Wiencek on January 1,2010 | 01:05 PM

    Hi again,
    I just submitted a letter about an oilpainting.
    Andalusian Street scene, or maybe Mecixan?
    The stamp in the back of the canvas is 2 by 3 inches, not cm.
    The painting is 12 by 16 inches. RW

    Posted by Regina Wiencek on January 1,2010 | 01:16 PM

    I have an oil on canvas 17"x24" by Maurice Levis. The signature is easily readable. The scene is of a chateau and part of a town that sits on the banks of a river where some women are doing a wash. It is not one of his traditional pastoral scenes. The frame, which I think is the orginal, is an ornate gold/cream.
    Was probably purchased in Montreal (where we are from) by my grandfather in the 40-50's and has been in our family since then. I am trying to obtain an appraisal with the intent of selling the painting. Can you help me with this?
    Thank you.

    Posted by Keith Kertland on January 19,2010 | 08:56 AM

    Hi Nan,
    I inherited alot of antiques paintings, wildlife art on glasses. One of the paintings is hanging on the wall and I was told the mate to it is hanging in the Smithsonian.
    my mother and stepfather left me alot of items and I need help with the value of these.

    Posted by Deborah Glomb on January 19,2010 | 07:23 PM

    My mother was an art dealer in New York and past away 36 years ago. She sold and represented many American artist (Robert Brackman, Robert Phillips, Gino Hollander, Max Karp, and many others). One of the pieces she personally owned is signed Maurice,Utrillo,V, and is a winter scene of -Montmartre- written on lower left corner (maybe white period). I was under the impression it was probably a fake until I removed it very recently from the frame which is labeled Blondelle Frames 115 west fifty-fifth street - new york 19 CI 7-5920. I then discovered the ,V, not seen under the frame. The piece is on a board and is 9 1/2" tall and 11 1/4 wide. Other then contacting Jean Fabris in France (I researched.... he is the "man", how can you help me identify/authenticate this piece.
    Thank you
    Josh

    Posted by Josh Capon on February 21,2010 | 09:34 AM

    Dear miss chisholm. I have a black and white print/lithograph painted E Blair Leighton Londen published Desember 1st 1891 by Arthur Tooth and sons 5 & 6 Haymarket copyright registered by M Knoedler and co New York and Stiefbold & co Berlin printed in Berlin. Put thy sweet hand in mine and trust in me.Could you please tell me more about this picture. how many printed. Has it got any value. etc

    Posted by anton rossouw on February 26,2010 | 05:50 AM

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