Appraisal Glossary

Below you will find a glossary of some of the terms found on our website. If you have followed a linked word to get here, please scroll down to find it in the alphabetical list.

Catalogue Raisonné
A publication containing a documented list of the complete works of an artist or the complete works of a specific type by that artist. These catalogues are considered authoritative but are not set in stone, as they may be updated as new works are discovered or known works are discredited.

Credible Value Opinion
The value assigned to an object during the appraisal process is not a fact. Rather, it is the opinion of that appraiser of what the item is worth. As such, the credibility of the appraiser and of his opinion is of the highest importance. The accuracy of the documentation and the thoroughness of the research, in combination with the experience of the appraiser will determine the credibility of the value opinion.

Original Matrix
The object on which a design has been made, from which a print is directly pulled. This can be various substances including but not limited to wood block, metal plate and stone.

Original Print (also referred to as Fine Art Prints)
The term original print refers to a work of art that was conceived by the artist as a print and was printed directly from the original matrix (relief block, etching plate, lithographic stone, etc.)

USPAP (Universal Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice)
USPAP can be considered the quality control standards applicable for real property, personal property, intangibles, and business valuation appraisal analysis and reports in the United States and its territories. USPAP was developed in the 1980s by a joint committee representing the major U.S. and Canadian appraisal organizations.