Ethical Considerations in Art Appraisals
In the world of art appraisal, trust is everything. Whether working with attorneys, museums, insurers, or estate planners, clients rely on appraisers not only for our knowledge and experience but for our integrity. The value we provide lies not just in the numbers we report, but in the professionalism, impartiality, and ethical rigor with which we approach every assignment.
In a largely self-regulated industry, ethical standards serve as both compass and cornerstone. As a USPAP-compliant and ISA-accredited appraiser, I am committed to upholding the highest industry standards, rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for client confidentiality. These are not just principles—they’re practices that safeguard your interests and ensure appraisals are credible, defensible, and above reproach.
Confidentiality: The Foundation of Trust
Appraisal assignments often involve sensitive information, such as; financial details, provenance histories, and legal or insurance matters that are private by nature. The ISA’s Code of Ethics and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) both place a high priority on confidentiality. As an appraiser, I am ethically bound to protect all confidential client information, both during and after the assignment.
Why is this so important? Because confidentiality ensures your data is secure and your privacy respected. Attorneys, insurers, and estate planners, in particular, can rest assured that any information shared in the course of an appraisal is handled discreetly and securely. This level of professional discretion supports fiduciary responsibilities and legal compliance while reinforcing client confidence.
Impartiality: Objectivity in Every Valuation
Impartiality is a core principle of ethical appraisal practice. A professional appraisal is never influenced by the desires of the client, the potential outcome of a legal case, or the implications for insurance or estate tax purposes. According to USPAP, an appraiser must be “independent, impartial, and objective.”
This objectivity is crucial, especially when valuations are used in contentious or high-stakes situations—such as litigation, divorce settlements, or estate distributions. My role is not to advocate for one party or another, but to provide a supportable, unbiased opinion of value that will stand up to scrutiny.
By engaging a credentialed appraiser who adheres to these standards, clients benefit from the credibility that comes with neutrality. Courts, insurers, and government agencies are more likely to accept an appraisal when it is clearly the product of independent, ethical judgment.
Professionalism: Beyond Compliance
Ethics in appraisal isn’t only about following rules, it’s about cultivating a professional standard that exceeds the minimum. The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) Code of Ethics requires appraisers to maintain competency, pursue continuing education, and conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in every client interaction.
By holding myself to this standard, I offer more than a valuation—I offer peace of mind. When working with museums or nonprofit institutions, for instance, professionalism includes sensitivity to the cultural and historical significance of objects. With insurers or estate planners, it means delivering detailed, USPAP-compliant reports that can be relied upon in legal or financial proceedings.
Working with an ISA-accredited appraiser signals to all stakeholders that the appraisal was conducted with due diligence, care, and the utmost professionalism.
Why Ethical Standards Matter in a Self-Regulated Industry
Art appraising is not federally regulated in the way that, say, accounting or law is. This lack of oversight makes ethical frameworks like USPAP and ISA’s Code of Ethics even more essential. They are the scaffolding that supports public trust and professional accountability.
Choosing an appraiser who operates as though the industry is regulated—who voluntarily complies with rigorous standards and submits to peer review—is one of the most important decisions a client can make. It shows commitment to due process, risk mitigation, and reliable outcomes. For attorneys and estate planners, it reduces liability. For museums and insurers, it ensures defensible documentation. For collectors, it protects the value of their legacy.
Trust the Standard-Bearers
Whether you’re preparing for litigation, planning an estate, insuring a collection, or deaccessioning from a museum, the appraiser you choose matters. Partnering with a USPAP-compliant, ISA-accredited professional ensures the work is not only competent but also ethical and defensible.
Ethical conduct isn’t a formality; it’s a promise. A promise to protect your interests, uphold your trust, and maintain the highest standards of our profession.
If you’re ready to work with an appraiser who brings integrity, expertise, and professionalism to every assignment, I welcome the opportunity to connect.