A collector examining an auction catalogue often discovers a piece that captivates their interest. The artist's reputation resonates, the composition is alluring, and the estimate appears fair. However, a critical element essential for informed purchasing decisions may be conspicuously absent: the condition report. Mastering the art of reading condition reports is an invaluable skill for any serious art buyer.

At LLB Auction, our dedication to transparency regarding condition is not merely a courtesy; it is a fundamental commitment to every buyer who entrusts us with their collecting decisions.

What Is a Condition Report?

A condition report is a meticulous assessment of an artwork's physical state at the time of cataloguing. This document, prepared by trained specialists or professional conservators, details crucial elements such as structural integrity, surface wear, previous restoration, UV damage, frame condition, and other factors influencing the work's long-term preservation and market value.

For paintings, the report encompasses:

  • Canvas or panel support conditions
  • Integrity of the paint layer
  • Presence of craquelure (fine cracks in the surface)
  • Areas of loss or inpainting
  • Varnish condition
  • Frame integrity

For works on paper, it includes

  • Paper quality
  • Foxing or discoloration
  • Tears and tape residue
  • Signs of light damage

For sculptures, the report covers:

  • Patina
  • Structural stability
  • Casting quality
  • Any repairs or modifications

While the condition report may not always appear in the printed catalogue, it is always accessible upon request, and any serious buyer should prioritize its review prior to bidding.

How Condition Affects Value

The interplay between condition and value is both direct and often dramatic. Two works by the same artist, hailing from the same era and possessing identical provenance, can command vastly different prices at auction based solely on their physical condition.

As a general principle, a work in pristine, unrestored condition will garner a premium compared to a similar piece displaying visible wear, restoration, or structural compromise. The magnitude of this premium varies by artist, work rarity, and severity of condition issues, yet it is rarely negligible.

For emerging or mid-career artists navigating a developing market, the influence of condition can sway value by 20% to 40% or even more. A painting by Richard Prince (b. 1994), whose vibrant compositions hinge upon precise color relationships and sharp architectural lines, would lose much of its appeal if the paint surface were compromised by flaking, discoloration, or excessive restoration. Collectors of his work anticipate museum-quality presentation and calibrate their bids based on the condition's shortfall.

For blue-chip artists with extensive histories in auction sales, the impact of condition can be even more pronounced. A Jeff Koons sculpture with casting imperfections or a Basquiat canvas featuring significant inpainting might fetch 30% to 50% below comparable examples in excellent condition—if it sells at all.

Reading a Condition Report: What to Look For

Condition reports adhere to a generally standardized format, yet the terminology can be opaque to novice readers. Herein are crucial terms and their implications for your acquisition decisions.

"Good condition" or "Overall good condition" represents the baseline evaluation for a work exhibiting normal, age-appropriate wear without significant damage or restoration. This is the outcome one hopes to encounter.

"Minor surface wear" or "Light surface dirt" denotes cosmetic issues that do not compromise the work’s structural integrity and can often be rectified through professional cleaning. Such factors are rarely deal-breakers.

"Restored" or "Evidence of previous restoration" carries more significance. It indicates that the work underwent treatment by a conservator at some point—perhaps addressing tears, flaking paint, or structural damage. The quality of the restoration is crucial: a skillfully executed conservation treatment by a professional may be nearly imperceptible and minimally affect value, whereas amateur restoration can be disfiguring and significantly diminish desirability.

"Inpainting" or "Retouching" refers to areas where the original paint layer suffered damage or loss and has been filled in by a restorer. Severity is essential: minimal inpainting in margins or backgrounds might be acceptable, while substantial retouching in essential composition areas raises concerns.

"Craquelure" signifies the fine network of cracks naturally forming in oil paint as it ages. Light, stable craquelure is typical and anticipated in older works; however, heavy, unstable craquelure indicative of lifting or flaking necessitates serious caution.

"UV examination reveals..." indicates that the artwork has been scrutinized under ultraviolet light, which illuminates various materials, including some restoration products, allowing past interventions to be detected. If the UV examination exposes extensive restoration not previously disclosed, this is critical information.

When Condition Issues Are Acceptable

Not every condition issue should deter a potential buyer. Context is critical, and experienced collectors distinguish between acceptable age-related wear and troubling problems.

For works by historical artists or creators whose practices emerged decades ago, some condition compromise may be unavoidable—particularly if the artist employed fragile media or operated under conditions disregarding long-term preservation. A piece from the 1980s showing minor surface wear congruent with its age may still represent a superb acquisition if it has been professionally conserved and remains structurally sound.

Similarly, certain artists whose aesthetic embraces rawness or texture may render pristine condition less desirable than pieces displaying the marks of their histories. This is particularly relevant to works on paper, mixed media creations, or installations designed with a certain degree of material vulnerability.

When to Walk Away

Several condition problems should prompt even the most passionate collector to deliberate seriously.

Active deterioration—paint flaking, tearing canvas, or brittle paper—almost always necessitates reexamination. These complications will likely exacerbate over time, possibly leading to costly interventions even when acquiring the work at a discount.

Amateur restoration also represents a significant red flag. When a piece has been "restored" by someone lacking appropriate training, the outcome may be more detrimental than the original damage. Rectifying amateur restoration and appropriately treating the work can incur thousands of dollars in costs—often in excess of the work’s worth.

Structural compromise in sculptures or pieces with intricate materiality requires thorough scrutiny. If the work’s physical integrity raises any doubts, you may be purchasing a conservation project rather than a stable piece of art.

LLB Auction's Approach to Condition Transparency

At LLB Auction, we are dedicated to the belief that informed buyers make superior decisions, thereby establishing transparency about condition as fundamental to trust within the auction process. Every artwork we present undergoes a comprehensive condition assessment prior to cataloguing. Our specialists meticulously document their findings in writing, and those reports are readily available to any interested buyer upon request.

We also invite prospective buyers to attend our preview exhibitions, where artworks can be examined firsthand. Our team remains on-site throughout the preview to answer inquiries, discuss condition concerns, and offer additional context that may not be captured in written form.

For works by artists for whom condition is particularly essential to value—be it Mira Langston's abstract compositions relying on surface texture and color vibrancy, Eva Santer's surrealist paintings characterized by photographic precision, or Antonia Beauvoir's baroque canvases that depend on delicate surface preservation—we take additional measures to ensure that buyers fully understand what they are acquiring.

Conclusion

Condition reports should not be perceived as obstacles to acquisition; they serve as tools empowering collectors to make educated choices. Mastering their intricacies, recognizing grounds for concern, and knowing when to proceed with confidence represent some of the most crucial skills a collector can acquire.

The physical condition of a work is inextricably linked to its value, future preservation, and ultimately the joy it will bring you as a collector. At LLB Auction, we are devoted to ensuring you possess all necessary information to bid with assurance.

Interested in a piece from our upcoming sale? Request a detailed condition report or visit our preview exhibition. Engage our specialists at LLB Auction for expert assistance.