For a sale
When a work of art is being acquired it is imperative to dispose of an exact and independent expertise on its state of conservation. None would in effect consider purchasing a second hand motor car or a property without an expert report. This applies equally to works of art, even more so if their value is important. This expert report should contain an exact description of the current condition of the work, past conservation interventions, and any important facts for its future conservation (specific storage conditions, conservation measures to be undertaken etc.). It is common practice and recommended that a potential buyer appoints an independent expert such as FAEI before proceeding to an acquisition.