Selz Fine Arts Appraisals

Full-service valuation and collection management.

Rodin
Sam Francis
Dale Chihuly
Santa Clara Canyon
Kandinsky
Auguste Rodin, Movement de Dance A

Selz Fine Art Appraisals offers a spectrum of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of collectors, art enthusiasts, and institutions.

As an Accredited Member (AM), American Society of Appraisers, Selz Fine Art provides comprehensive appraisals for single works of art or entire collections. All reports are IRS and USPAP compliant for the intended uses of Insurance Coverage, Insurance Claims, Divorce, Estates and Trusts, Non-Cash Charitable Donations, Art Legacy Planning, Dissolution of Property, Litigation, Bankruptcy, Forced Liquidation, Prenuptial Agreements, and Expert Witness Services.

As Private Art Advisors and Collection Management, Selz Fine Art works with collectors at all levels, providing expertise in sales and purchase consultations, art investment advice, market condition analyses, market research, negotiating with vendors, galleries and auction houses, collection database and cataloging, and advice on restoration, installations, custom framing, and shipping.

About Us
Gabrielle Selz

Gabrielle Selz is an Accredited Member (AM), American Society of Appraisers, in Personal Property specializing in fine art. With over 30 years of experience working in the visual arts as an art historian, writer, educator, advisor, and art appraiser, Selz's services are meticulously researched, analyzed, and unbiased. Selz is the author of two nonfiction books on the art world and an esteemed art reviewer. Her expertise includes 19th and 20th-century American, European and contemporary Art. Selz has provided estate tax appraisal reports for many large, high-profile collections and charitable contribution reports for works donated to the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Cantor Center for the Visual Arts, the American University Museum in Washington D.C., The Crocker Art Museum, the Charles Schulz Museum, among others.


Our Services

Art Appraisals: Independent, Confidential, Objective, and Meticulously Researched Appraisal Services.

Insurance Coverage, Claims, and Settlement

Safeguard your valuables and secure peace of mind in the event of damage or loss. Rely on us to determine the accurate replacement value for coverage compliant with your insurance carrier's requirements. The appraisal document includes color digital images and full catalogue description for each item, with values supported by appropriate market comparables.

In the event of damage or loss, we advise on conservation, restoration, or sale and assist in settling claims or disputes. Selz Fine Art Appraisals can provide pre-loss, post-loss, post-restoration, and loss-in-value appraisals to aid the insurance claim process.

Charitable Donation

Transform your philanthropic vision into reality with our strategic charitable donation guidance, ensuring your generous contributions make a lasting impact while optimizing your tax benefits.

Selz Fine Art donation appraisals are IRS and USPAP-compliant documents, delivered with an 8283-tax form. Our accurate and unbiased fair market value assessments are backed by industry expertise and meticulous research.

Estate Tax & Estate Planning

Secure your legacy and protect your heirs and beneficiaries with our comprehensive estate tax and distribution planning, ensuring a smooth transition of assets. Understanding the value of your assets helps with informed decisions and future plans regarding gifting and equitable distribution. Fair Market Value appraisals for estate planning are relied upon by executors, attorneys, accountants, and the IRS to determine potential estate tax liability.

Division of Property

Navigate the complexities of property division with ease and fairness as our seasoned professionals provide impartial and insightful solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Gifting

Celebrate life's milestones and strengthen personal bonds with our personalized gifting strategies, creating meaningful and tax-efficient gestures of appreciation and love.

Art Advisory

Selz Fine Art works with Private and Corporate clients to articulate their vision and elevate their collections. Our expert art advisory services guide clients through the intricate world of art acquisition and curation with a discerning eye and unparalleled expertise.

  • Our searches are targeted and worldwide
  • Advice is unbiased on condition, price, authenticity, and quality
  • We negotiate with dealers and auction houses
  • Advice on restoration, installation, and framing
  • Complete confidentiality

    • Collection Management

    Selz Fine Art provides collection management services tailored to our clients' needs to help maintain and manage fine art collections.

  • Inventory includes color digital images and full catalogue description
  • Provenance documentation
  • Customized database
  • Reports sorted according to clients' specifications
    • I have had the opportunity to engage Gabrielle Selz's art appraisal service. Her professionalism is impressive. She is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in assessing fine art. In particular, Gabrielle is meticulous in her presentation of the details within the context of the job, and her execution is timely. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gabrielle's services.

    - Roger Mann, Art Collector, Bay Area

    Gabrielle Selz is a thorough professional. I've known her as a colleague in the American Society of Appraisers and asked her to appraise artworks owned by my mother, working from an existing inventory. It was a last-minute job that needed to be done fast. She ably and quickly researched, wrote, and produced an expert document that reflected her deep knowledge of the works in the report--she is an art historian--and an impressive network of dealers and curators. The document is flawless, and I cannot recommend Gabrielle more enthusiastically.

    - Art Collection, Paris

    We had a great experience working with Selz Fine Art Appraisals. Gabrielle was very thorough, explaining everything in detail to ensure we really understood the process. As well as learning about the condition of the artwork we learned about its history and received recommendations for conservation. We would definitely use her services again.

    - Richard T. Walker, Bay Area

    Loved working with Gabrielle! She is very knowledgeable about art, artists, museums, and galleries. My parent's collection has a lot of local artists, and it was wonderful to learn so much about the art and the artists from her. She is quite timely and does great research. The final report was beautiful and thorough. Highly recommend!

    - Britt Anderson, Palo Alto Collection

    I hired Gabrielle Selz to do a Charitable Donation appraisal report for a group of works I donated to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The quality of her research and analysis is excellent. I highly recommend her.

    - Jeremy Stone, Bay Area Collector and Appraiser

    Gabrielle Selz did my appraisal for Charitable Donation. She is a great appraiser, very expeditious, and a really nice person.

    - Karen Justice, San Francisco Art Collection

    Gabrielle Selz exemplifies professionalism and comes highly recommended for her services.

    - Howard G. Private Art Collector, Mill Valley, CA

    Gabrielle Selz's comprehensive and well-researched appraisal report was an essential legal document for our estate planning.

    - Private collector, Palo Alto


    Portfolio
    SelzLecture

    Bio | CV

    Gabrielle Selz has worked in the arts for over 30 years as an art historian, writer, and art appraiser specializing in Modern and Contemporary art. She is the author of two award-winning non-fiction books on the art world. Her most recent book is Light on Fire, the first comprehensive biography of the artist Sam Francis. In addition, Selz has published numerous art reviews and is a contributing writer to Art Forum. Selz's expertise extends across the spectrum of 19th, 20th century, and contemporary American and European art, comprising diverse mediums such as paintings, sculpture, assemblage, drawings, prints, photographs, video, and digital and new media art. Selz is a member of Art Table, a national organization for women in leadership positions in the visual arts, and sits on the board of the Northern California Chapter of the American Society of Appraisers.


    Contact Us

    Email: gabyselz@gmail.com
    Phone: +1 (516) 639-8144

    Get in touch with us for all your art appraisal needs.


    FAQ

    How does the art appraisal process work?

    Our appraisal process involves a series of steps from initial consultation to final report. These include discussion, inspection, condition report, provenance research, cataloguing, relevant market research, and data analysis.

    What types of art do you appraise?

    We specialize in a wide range of art forms, including Modern, Contemporary, and historical American and European art.

    What are the qualifications of your appraisers?

    Our art appraisers are highly qualified professionals with deep expertise in fine art valuation and hold respected credentials in the field. A qualified appraiser maintains current certification in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is accredited by one of the three leading professional organizations: the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), or the Appraisers Association of America (AAA).

    What is the American Society of Appraisers?

    The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is one of the oldest and most respected international organizations for professional appraisers. It maintains a rigorous accreditation process that includes specialized coursework, field examinations, and a thorough review of appraisal reports.

    ASA upholds high standards of ethical conduct through its Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics, which all members are required to follow. As ASA-accredited appraisers, we have met the organization's strict professional criteria and are recognized for our expertise, accuracy, impartiality, and credibility.

    By adhering to ASA's professional standards, we are committed to delivering the highest quality valuation services. Our clients can be confident that our appraisals are objective, ethical, and defensible—meeting the requirements of insurance, legal, financial, and governmental institutions.

    Why is USPAP Important?

    The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) establishes the generally accepted standards for appraisal practice in North America. It provides a comprehensive framework for all types of appraisal services, ensuring consistency, integrity, and professionalism across the field.

    USPAP holds legal significance as well—it was recognized under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) as the official standard for appraisals in federally related transactions. Compliance with USPAP is therefore required for appraisers working in these contexts.

    USPAP is published by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, an organization authorized by the U.S. Congress to set appraisal standards and qualifications. Its role is central to maintaining public trust in the appraisal profession.

    How is the value of an artwork determined?

    The value is determined based on several factors, including the artwork's condition, provenance, market trends, and the artist's reputation.

    Can you assist with art sales and acquisitions?

    Yes, we provide services related to art acquisition and sales, offering market analysis and tailored sales advice.

    What is the cost of an art appraisal?

    The cost varies based on the complexity of the appraisal, with pricing structures that include hourly rates or flat fees.

    What documentation will I receive after an appraisal?

    Post-appraisal, clients receive detailed digital and hard-copy reports, which include color images, catalog descriptions, valuation, analysis, and relevant information about your artwork.

    How should I prepare for an appraisal?

    Prepare by gathering known information about the artwork, such as previous appraisals or authenticity certificates.

    Are appraisals confidential?

    All appraisals are conducted with utmost confidentiality, ensuring the privacy of your information and artwork.

    Why do I need an art appraisal?

    An art appraisal is essential to collecting and preserving your fine art and objects for yourself and future generations. An art appraisal provides crucial information about your collection and its value.

    How often should I appraise my art?

    An art appraisal should be updated every 3-5 years, depending on the market.