Can you tell me what my Edgar Payne is worth over the phone?

Not responsibly. Two Payne paintings of the same size can be worth very different amounts. Send photographs of the front, back and signature, plus the dimensions, and the gallery can review the painting in confidence.

Do you provide Edgar Payne appraisals?

Steven Stern Fine Arts lists fine art appraisals among its services, along with buying, selling, consignment and collection advice. Tell us what the appraisal is for (selling, insurance, an estate or a donation), because the purpose affects the kind of valuation you need.

Should I clean the painting before selling?

No. Leave cleaning, revarnishing and restoration to a qualified conservator, and only after you have had advice. Amateur cleaning can permanently damage the paint surface.

Is a painting by Elsie Palmer Payne the same as an Edgar Payne?

No. Elsie Palmer Payne (1884–1971) was a separate artist with her own body of work. Check the signature carefully; we are happy to look at either.

A guide for owners

What is my Edgar Payne painting worth?

There is no single price for "an Edgar Payne." Values depend on the individual painting. Here are the factors that matter most, and how to get an informed opinion on yours.

1. Subject

Collectors look for the subjects Payne is best known for: the High Sierra, with granite peaks above glacial lakes; Canyon de Chelly and the Navajo country of northern Arizona, especially with Navajo riders or pack trains; the Laguna and Monterey coast; and the boats and harbors of Brittany and Chioggia. Hillside landscapes, eucalyptus groves and smaller studies have their own collectors too, but a strong, characteristic subject usually helps value.

2. Size and support

Payne worked at every scale, from small panels painted outdoors to large studio canvases. Larger, fully resolved canvases are usually valued above small sketches of the same subject. Even so, a fine small panel can be worth more than a weak large one. Note whether yours is on canvas, board or canvasboard, and measure the painted surface without the frame.

3. Period and quality

Payne's handling and palette changed over his career, and paintings from different decades appeal to different buyers. Within any period, quality matters most: the strength of the composition (the subject of his own book), the color, and how complete the painting feels.

4. Condition

Tears, paint loss, heavy overpaint, discolored varnish and old, poor restorations all affect value. So does surface grime, though that is often reversible. A conservator's condition report can help with an important painting. Please don't try to clean it yourself.

5. Provenance and history

A documented history adds confidence and often value. That includes purchase from the artist or a known gallery, exhibition labels, a family line of ownership, or the painting appearing in a book or catalogue. Photograph every label and inscription on the back, and keep any letters, receipts or old appraisals together.

6. Authenticity

As with any sought-after artist, there are copies, misattributions and works by other painters with similar names or styles. Signature, materials, technique and history all count when judging whether a painting is by Payne. A specialist who has handled many of his paintings can usually tell you quickly whether a work merits closer study.

Getting a valuation

Steven Stern Fine Arts judges every painting individually, on authorship, period, subject, condition, provenance, exhibition history, literature and its place in the artist's work. If you are thinking of selling, the simplest first step is to send photographs. Start a confidential inquiry or call (310) 570-5679. To compare subjects, browse Edgar Payne paintings the gallery has sold.

Common questions

Can you tell me what my Edgar Payne is worth over the phone?: Not responsibly. Two Payne paintings of the same size can be worth very different amounts. Send photographs of the front, back and signature, plus the dimensions, and the gallery can review the painting in confidence.
Do you provide Edgar Payne appraisals?: Steven Stern Fine Arts lists fine art appraisals among its services, along with buying, selling, consignment and collection advice. Tell us what the appraisal is for (selling, insurance, an estate or a donation), because the purpose affects the kind of valuation you need.
Should I clean the painting before selling?: No. Leave cleaning, revarnishing and restoration to a qualified conservator, and only after you have had advice. Amateur cleaning can permanently damage the paint surface.
Is a painting by Elsie Palmer Payne the same as an Edgar Payne?: No. Elsie Palmer Payne (1884–1971) was a separate artist with her own body of work. Check the signature carefully; we are happy to look at either.