Selling an Edgar Payne: frequently asked questions
Answers for owners, families and estates. For questions about the artist himself, see the Edgar Payne FAQ on our research site.
- Who buys Edgar Payne paintings?
- Specialist dealers such as Steven Stern Fine Arts, auction houses, and private collectors. A dealer can buy outright or consign; an auction house sells publicly for a commission. Compare the options.
- How do I sell an Edgar Payne painting?
- Send photographs of the front, back and signature, the size, and anything you know about its history. Steven Stern Fine Arts gives you a free, confidential evaluation and contacts you to discuss a purchase, consignment or private sale. We pay top dollar for quality Payne paintings. How selling works.
- What is my Edgar Payne painting worth?
- It depends on subject, size, period, condition, provenance and authenticity. Published auction results range from under $1,000 for minor works to $553,000, the highest published result (Christie's, 2008). What affects value.
- Is the evaluation free?
- Yes. Evaluations and appraisals of Edgar Payne paintings are free, with no obligation to sell.
- Do I need an appraisal before selling?
- No. Photographs and the size are enough to start. When you do need a formal appraisal.
- Will my name or the price be published?
- No. Inquiries are confidential. The gallery's past-sales page shows paintings it has sold without prices or buyers' names.
- Do you come to see paintings?
- Yes. Steven Stern and his associates travel regularly to see paintings and collections and to meet owners, and the gallery works with owners across the United States.
- Should I clean or reframe the painting first?
- No. Please leave it as it is. Well-meant cleaning is one of the most common ways a painting loses value.
- Is a painting signed Payne always by Edgar Payne?
- No. His wife, Elsie Palmer Payne (1884–1971), was also a painter, and attributions can be wrong. Signature guide.
- Do you buy paintings by other California artists?
- Yes. The gallery buys Early California and Western American paintings by many artists, including Maynard Dixon, Granville Redmond, Guy Rose, William Wendt and Joseph Kleitsch.
- Where is Steven Stern Fine Arts?
- 11901 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 601, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Call (310) 570-5679.