Selling an Inherited Painting: What to Gather Before You Decide
An inherited painting often arrives with questions: who painted it, where did it come from, and what should happen next? Before deciding whether to keep or sell it, gather the information already available. Clear photographs, basic measurements and a record of its history give a gallery a useful starting point for review.
Start with photographs
Take a straight-on photograph of the whole painting in even light, followed by closer images of the signature, any date and visible condition issues. Photograph the frame and the back, including labels, stamps and handwritten notes. Avoid filters or edits that change the colors or hide details. If the painting is difficult to handle safely, photograph what you can without moving or dismantling it.
Record the dimensions and say whether they include the frame. If you know the medium and support—for example, oil on canvas—include them. If you are unsure, leave that question open rather than guessing.
Keep the paperwork together
Look for purchase invoices, auction receipts, gallery correspondence, exhibition labels, old photographs and previous collection lists. Even a document that seems incomplete may provide a name, date or location worth investigating. Keep originals and make readable digital copies.
Provenance is the history of an artwork’s ownership. A useful record separates what documents establish from what family members remember. For example, “shown on a dated purchase receipt” is different from “believed by the family to have been acquired in the 1960s.” Both can be shared, but the distinction matters.
Describe the attribution carefully
A signature or family story can help begin research, but neither settles authorship on its own. Copy the wording of any existing attribution exactly, including qualifications such as “attributed to,” “workshop of” or “after.” Share who supplied the attribution and when, along with any supporting correspondence.
If an earlier appraisal or certificate exists, include the complete document. Its purpose, date and stated limitations help a reviewer understand what it does—and does not—establish.
Record condition before making changes
Mention visible tears, paint loss, surface changes, repairs or damage to the frame. Include photographs of these areas. Avoid cleaning, retouching or removing labels in preparation for a sale; consult a qualified conservator before undertaking treatment.
Explain what you want from a sale
Think about your preferred timing, whether privacy is important and whether you are considering one painting or a larger collection. Tell the gallery about previous sale attempts or offers, if any. These details help frame a discussion about possible next steps without assuming that every work is suitable for the same route.
Before entering a sale or consignment arrangement, ask for the proposed terms in writing, including fees, agreed pricing, the consignment period, payment timing and responsibilities for transport and insurance. Keep your initial inquiry focused on information gathering; an inquiry does not commit you to a sale.
Request an initial review
Hadadi Fine Art’s Private Sales page includes a Submit an Artwork form. Start with the artist’s name or current attribution, photographs and the information you have. If details are unknown, say so. The gallery can then review your inquiry and discuss whether further information is needed.
Contact us