Art appraisal and Art Authentication are two very different processes. An authentication is a formal and professional opinion supported by written or printed documents stating that the work is genuine and created by the claimed artist.

An art appraisal process on the other hand, can only be conducted based on the assumption that the artwork’s authenticity is already substantiated with supporting documentation. This means that as the owner or current custodian of the artwork, you already possess proof of its authenticity - certificates of authenticity or other similar and relevant paperwork issued by the artist, art dealer or art gallery where the piece was purchased from.