Researching Art
If you would like to research a work of art of your own or learn more about the NCMA’s collections, the NCMA Art Reference Library is a good place to start.
The Art Reference Library offers access to art books and journals, auction catalogues and sales databases, art bibliographic databases, biographical dictionaries, books on artists’ signatures and monograms, catalogues raisonnés (published compendia of an artist’s complete works), and other reference materials.
Due to professional ethics codes and IRS regulations, the NCMA does not provide appraisal services or offer help determining the authenticity or fair market value of works of art, antiquities, or out-of-print books.
The NCMA does not provide, endorse, recommend, or guarantee appraisal services. The organizations and websites listed below can help you locate accredited appraisers:
The resources below can help you learn more about collecting, collectibles, appraisals, and other related topics.
The Museum does not offer conservation services for private clients, nor does it recommend or endorse particular private conservators. The American Institute for Conservation and Preservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) jointly sponsor a database of conservation professionals across the US. They also publish helpful guides to caring for various types of art objects and family heirlooms, including architecture.