What’s It Worth Fact:
Many Old Master reproductions by greats such as Michelangelo and Albrecht Durer are mistaken as original drawings. Fascimilies are high-quality prints that are as close to the original as possible, and can easily fool the eye. One tip is to look for any small stamps on the piece, usually in the lower corner. these stamps are often marks that identify where the original drawing is cataloged, such as the Louvre Museum.
Drawings can vary from an informal pencil sketch rendered on a napkin to a fully executed ink drawing on paper. But wait – drawings aren’t just on paper! They can be rendered on fabric or an everyday object using pencil, pen, or sepia to name a few tools. Almost all artists sketch to hone their skills, ignite ideas, or refine a composition; however, the category is not limited to well-known artists. Drawings by illustrators, designers, and noted architects are also included in this appraisal category. Many times, fine art drawings can be deceptively simple and passed off as something quickly rendered by an untrained artist. But don’t be too quick to judge – Pablo Picasso’s animal sketches are some of the most minimalist drawings in his body of work. His playful dachshunds and curly camels are intriguing glimpses into his unparalleled experimentation with Abstraction and it goes without saying that these drawings fetch a high appraisal value.
Tips on submitting drawing appraisals:
- Send detailed images of various parts of the composition. Many high-quality prints are often confused as drawings.
- Tell us the story – sometimes an unsigned drawing can have a significant provenance, which could boost its value.
Meet our appraisers:
Click here to meet our drawings specialists Carrie, Rachel and Noel!
