Art advisor and appraiser in Como

The studio

I receive clients by appointment at my studio in via Lambertenghi 41, in the historic centre of Como. I specialise in modern and contemporary art: paintings, sculpture, works on paper, fine art photography, multiples and editions.

I am registered as an expert with the Milan Chamber of Commerce and on the register of court-appointed technical consultants (CTU) at the Court of Milan, and I am an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) and a member of ICRA and CRSA. My appraisal reports, in English or in Italian, are prepared in accordance with USPAP and IVS, the international standards recognised by banks, insurers and courts.

My only principal is the client who instructs me, and every engagement is covered by strict professional confidentiality.

When an appraisal is needed

An appraisal is a written opinion of value, reasoned and signed. It becomes necessary when the value of a work has to be used before third parties and stand up to their scrutiny: co-heirs, insurers, courts, notaries or banks. The most frequent situations are these.

Estates and division of property

After a death, the works have to be identified, described and valued before any decision is taken. An independent appraisal gives every heir the same starting point, whether the collection is to be divided or sold. Tax and succession formalities remain with the notary and the accountant, to whom the appraisal supplies the values they need. For families with assets in more than one country, the report is prepared so that it can be read by the professionals handling the estate abroad.

Insurance cover and damage

Taking out or renewing a fine art policy calls for a current, documented valuation. After a loss, I prepare reports that set out the extent of the physical damage and the resulting loss in market value (diminution in value).

Disputes and expert evidence

In proceedings concerning works of art, the judge may appoint a court technical consultant (CTU) to establish the facts. The parties may in turn instruct a party-appointed expert (CTP) to protect their position. I accept both kinds of appointment.

Research, collections and advisory

Art-historical research and due diligence

On specific instruction, I study the history of a work before a purchase or a sale, or when doubts arise about a work already in a collection: provenance, exhibitions and publications, archive registrations, certificates, scholarly opinions. The result is a documented file that brings any gaps to light.

Inventories and collection management

Private and family collections are often held without any systematic record. An analytical inventory, with descriptive entries, photographs, provenance and current values, is the instrument that protects a collection, makes planning possible and allows it to pass to the next generation in good order. For collections kept between Como, houses on the lake, other residences or storage facilities, I keep the inventory up to date to the Object ID standard and follow movements, loans and conservation treatments.

Advice on acquisitions and sales

I advise collectors on decisions to buy and sell, through galleries, at auction or by private treaty, in Italy and abroad, and on the growth of a collection over the years. When I have appraised a work, I do not handle its sale: appraisal and advisory remain separate engagements.

Valuing paintings and works of art in Como

The work begins with an inspection of the piece in person. Documentary research follows (provenance, exhibition history, literature and checks with the artist's archive), together with a comparative analysis of the relevant market.

The written report identifies the work, states the purpose of the valuation and the type of value adopted, and sets out the approach and the comparables used. It shows the date, my signature, my professional qualifications and my statement of independence. Timing and fees are agreed in writing beforehand. To begin, a short description of the piece and the purpose of the appraisal is enough; photographs help to form a first impression, but the valuation always requires a direct examination of the work.

Como, the Lake and Switzerland

I carry out inspections at private residences, bank vaults and storage facilities in Como, along the lake, in Brianza and in the Italian-speaking cantons of Switzerland. For assignments in Milan, see the page on Milan.