Get real

VALUE JUDGMENT An Antiques Roadshow appraiser at work.

Inspiration Antiques Roadshow
A staggering $200,000 for Indian “possible bags” in January (Baltimore). A whopping $175,000 for an old diamond ring in May (Las Vegas)— nearly 11 million viewers tune in to PBS weekly for that “wow” moment when a Roadshow appraiser estimates a six-figure value, much to the guest’s surprise. What does it take to be the bearer of such good news? A lot, according to Charles Rosoff, ASA, a professional appraiser and coordinator of the Certificate Program in Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal at Pratt Insitute.

“An extraordinary degree of connoisseurship and knowledge is necessary to make an accurate appraisal,” says Rosoff. Connoisseurship factors in historical contexts, shifting markets, material structures, mysteries of provenance, makers, history and condition, and more in order to establish the value of a piece. The skill takes years to master.

“Most of the appraisers on Antiques Roadshow have numerous degrees and years of experience working in museums, auction houses and galleries,” Rosoff adds. “There’s nothing fake about it.”

For the curious A Guide to Style and Ornament, NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS)
Spend your fall looking at beautiful things and learning how to recognize and describe them: This slide-illustrated course with field trips provides tools for good appraisal-writing and for determining the age and origin of an object. It introduces the visual vocabulary of style and ornament in the European and American decorative arts from the 17th through early 20th centuries. You’ll learn to describe the decorative elements that have been carved, molded, painted or applied to silver, porcelain and furniture, and discuss methods of distinguishing between original forms and later revival derivations. 145 4th Ave (212-998-7200, scps.nyu.edu)

For the career changer The Certificate Program in Fine and Decorative Art Appraisal, Pratt Insitute
This extremely intensive program is the only one in the city offered in collaboration with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). It prepares you to become a skilled appraiser and/or connoisseur, including studies in the valuation and appreciation of fine and decorative art objects, from fine-art pieces to jewelry, china, antiques, rugs, musical instruments, silver and more. Five courses are required for the certificate; and another two electives are required for a special endorsement in connoisseurship. Instructors include leading experts in the field.
144 W 14th St (212-647-7199, pratt.edu)