Ten Questions New Collectors Should Ask

1. Is the work authentic?
2. Does it appear in the artist's catalogue raisonné (if one exists)?
3. What is the provenance?
4. Is the work looted or stolen?
5. What is the condition history? Has the work been lined or otherwise restored?
6. Should the work be cleaned?
7. Should I have it independently appraised?
8. Should I insure it? If so, for how much?
9. Do I have a photograph of the work, and know the dimensions and other identifying details, in case the work is stolen?
10. If the work is stolen or damaged, do I know what to do?

(Source: Intl Foundation for Art Research)