AB Fine Art

Your partner in expertise and sale of works of art

Where to get a free appraisal of a sculpture or painting?

You may be looking for the perfect place to have your sculpture or painting appraised for free. At AB Fine Art, located in the heart of Paris, we offer a free consultation where we can discuss the work's history, its market potential, and its evolution over time. We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the value of your artwork and how it can be showcased. We are committed to providing you with a realistic appraisal based on objective criteria. This initial meeting is a real opportunity to discover how you can enhance the value of your artwork, whether you want to sell it, insure it, or simply determine its market value.

Where to go to sell a painting or sculpture?

Once you have an idea of the value of your work, you may wonder where to sell a painting or how to sell a sculpture. At AB Fine Art, we offer a complete art sales service, collaborating with partner auctioneers as well as a network of passionate collectors and renowned art galleries. We assist you throughout the sales process, helping you determine the ideal time to sell, connecting you with potential buyers, and providing personalized support throughout the transaction. Thanks to our trusted relationships with collectors and investors, we ensure that your work finds the right buyer at a fair price.

Why choose Agnès Aittouares from the AB Fine Art appraisal firm?

Choosing AB Fine Art means opting for a quality appraisal service, carried out by a recognized expert in the art field. Agnès Aittouares, a historian at the École du Louvre and a specialist of the FNEPSA (French National Federation of Fine Art Artists), brings recognized expertise to each work we handle. Her experience and skills as an art expert allow her to analyze each piece, determine its authenticity, and provide you with accurate estimates based on rigorous criteria. With over 30 years of experience, Agnès Aittouares has developed a network of influential contacts in the art world. Her expertise covers a wide range of works: from old master paintings to contemporary drawings, from classical sculptures to modern pieces. This expertise allows AB Fine Art to offer a comprehensive and tailor-made service, whether for the appraisal, sale, or exhibition of your works.
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“It's important to enjoy the purchasing process without losing sight of the concept of investment. It's best to seek professional guidance to avoid making poor judgments.”
Agnès Aittouares, Director of Galerie AB, Laurence Boccara, Les Echos

Frequently Asked Questions

Authentication & Certification

1. How can I tell if a modern artwork is authentic?
Authentication is a rigorous multi-step process. Here are the key points to verify:
- The signature: Is it consistent with the artist's known signatures? Be careful, signatures can be forged.
- Provenance: The ownership history of the work (invoices, galleries, exhibitions).
- Certificate of authenticity: A document signed by the artist or their heir.
- Expert appraisal: Consult a specialized expert or artist committee.
- Technical analysis: For high-value pieces, analyses (radiography, dating) can be performed.

2. What is a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) and is it mandatory?
A certificate of authenticity is a document that attests that a work is indeed by the hand of the artist. It is not mandatory per se to prove authenticity, but it is essential for value and resale. A proper CoA must be signed by the artist (or their heir), precisely describe the work (titles, dimensions, technique) and include a photograph.

3. What should I do if I don't have a certificate of authenticity?
The absence of a certificate is not fatal. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Contact the artist if they are alive.
2. Contact their heirs (family, foundation) or the committee dedicated to the artist.
3. Consult an independent expert recognized by professional organizations (CNES, SFEP) who can, after study, issue a certificate of authenticity.

4. What is the purpose of a catalogue raisonné?
Did you know? The catalogue raisonné is the ultimate reference tool for a work. It is a scholarly work that lists and describes all authentic works by an artist. Being included in the catalogue raisonné is the ultimate guarantee of authenticity and has a direct and positive impact on the value of the work.

5. How do I verify the provenance of a work?
Provenance is the work's "passport." To trace it, compile a checklist of the following documents:
- Original purchase invoices.
- Previous certificates of authenticity.
- Photographs of the work in its original environment.
- Invitation cards from past exhibitions.
- Inscriptions or labels on the back of the work (gallery names, collections).

Purchase & Investment

6. Is investing in modern art profitable today?
Investing in modern art can offer excellent opportunities, but it carries risks. Advantages: Safe haven asset, wealth diversification, personal pleasure. Disadvantages: Illiquidity (sometimes lengthy resale), significant fees, cyclical market. It is advisable to be accompanied by an expert.

7. Where can I buy authentic modern artworks in France?
Several channels exist, each with its specificities:
- Art galleries: Expert advice, refined selection, but higher prices (gallery fees included).
- Auctions: Price transparency, wide selection, but watch out for buyer's fees.
- Online platforms: Accessibility, convenience, but increased vigilance regarding authenticity.

8. What is the difference between primary and secondary market?
- Primary market: The very first sale of a work, coming directly from the artist's studio (by the artist themselves or their gallery).
- Secondary market: All subsequent resales of the work (auctions, galleries specializing in resale, etc.).

9. What are the fees when buying at auction?
The total amount you pay is the sum of the "hammer price" (the final bid amount) and the "buyer's premium" (generally between 20% and 25% including VAT in France, depending on the auction house). Example: If you win a work at €1,000 (hammer price) and the buyer's premium is 25%, the total amount due will be €1,250.

10. Can I buy art online safely?
Yes, provided you verify certain trust criteria:
- Presence of a certificate of authenticity.
- Clear withdrawal period and return policy (important, especially for individuals).
- Detailed description and high-quality photographs.
- Use of recognized platforms or established galleries with an "e-shop".

Tax & Law

11. What taxes apply to the resale of an artwork?
As an individual seller, you may choose between two tax schemes:
- Option A: Flat tax of 6.5% (applied to the total sale price, regardless of any capital gain).
- Option B: Capital gains tax regime (36.2%) (applied to the difference between the sale price and the purchase price, with progressive allowances based on the holding period).

12. Are artworks subject to wealth tax?
No. Artworks are explicitly exempt from the Real Estate Wealth Tax (IFI) under Article 972 of the General Tax Code. They are not considered real estate assets, making them a choice investment for tax optimization.

13. How does art tax deduction work for businesses?
Companies can deduct from their taxable income the purchase price of original works by living artists, up to 0.5% of their turnover. Key conditions:
- The work must be purchased between 2022 and 2027 (for now).
- It must be displayed free of charge to the public (or employees) on the company's premises.
- The company must commit to keeping it for 5 years.

14. What is the resale right (droit de suite)?
It is an inalienable right for the artist or their heirs to receive a percentage of the resale price of their works when sold at auction or by a professional. The rate is progressive (from 4% to 0.25%) and applies to the portion of the sale price above €400, up to a maximum of €12,500.

15. What documents are mandatory to sell a work?
For a proper sale, it is essential to prepare:
- A sales invoice mentioning the parties' details, description of the work and price.
- The certificate of authenticity (or any equivalent document).
- Provenance elements (purchase invoices, history).

Management & Conservation

16. How do I get a modern artwork appraised?
To obtain a reliable valuation, you can:
- Consult an auctioneer or specialized expert (CNES, SFEP directories).
- Use online appraisal services from major auction houses.
- Submit photographs and a detailed description of the work (signature, dimensions, condition) to an expert.

17. How do I insure an artwork (theft, damage)?
Standard home insurance often does not cover the full value of artworks. It is strongly recommended to take out specific "nail-to-nail" insurance that covers the work 24/7, wherever it is (at home, in transport, at a restorer's).

18. How do I preserve and clean a fragile work?
Do's: Maintain stable humidity (40-60%), avoid direct sunlight, dust very gently with a very soft brush.
Don'ts: Never use household products or water on a painting, don't touch the surface with fingers, don't attempt to repair damage yourself.

19. Who are the recognized experts for modern art?
Professional experts are generally grouped within state-recognized unions that guarantee their competence and ethics. The two main ones are CNES (National Company of Experts) and SFEP (French Union of Professional Experts in Artworks). Their online directories are the reference for finding an expert.

20. What's the difference between modern art and contemporary art?
(Visual timeline suggested:) The distinction is primarily historical and conceptual.
- Modern Art: From the 1900s (early 20th century) to the 1960s-70s. Key movements: Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, abstraction.
- Contemporary Art: From the 1960s-70s to the present day. It encompasses practices such as conceptual art, pop art, installations, videos, etc.