Expert Activity
Expertise in the field of antique art requires a broad and multifaceted body of knowledge, acquired over many years, that encompasses not only the historical classification of artworks but also incorporates expertise in restoration and legal matters.
Thanks to his diverse academic background—spanning both law and art history—and his extensive professional experience as a renowned dealer and restorer, Dr. Tilman Roatzsch is uniquely qualified to seamlessly combine these diverse requirements.
He draws upon his legal expertise—particularly in art and contract law—from his studies in jurisprudence, while his specialized art-historical knowledge stems from his studies in art history, culminating in a doctoral thesis focused on historical furniture ranging from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Furthermore, Dr. Roatzsch possesses extensive experience in the field of restoration—specifically regarding historical furniture—an area in which he remains actively engaged alongside his career as an art dealer, which now spans three decades.
His official appointment and swearing-in as a certified expert by the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)—a status he has held for over fifteen years—further guarantee a distinct level of impartiality. In this capacity, Dr. Roatzsch provides expert services regarding the valuation and art-historical classification of antique furniture throughout Germany and across Europe.
Content and Scope of the Report
The content and scope of each report is individually tailored to the expert assignment requested by the client. The detailed and conscientiously prepared reports usually have the following content:
I. Scope of the assignment/ Purpose of the report
II. Related literature (Enclosed as a copy with the report). The appraiser can draw on his own very extensive specialized library.
III. Information on the on-site inspection
IV. Documentation of the data and the facts
– Short description of the appraised object of art with classifying determination by provenance, possibly artist/master, material, technique, time of origin as well as state of preservation.
– Scientific, detailed description of the object.
– Description of condition (surface condition, condition of the carcass, possibly damage or improperly performed restorations).
V. Comprehensible expert answer to the question (historical appraisal, dating, valuation).
VI. Photograph of the object with detailed documentation of the condition as well as special features.
Further information can be found on the “Services” page.
Expert Reports – Services
We prepare expert reports for the following clients:
Museums, foundations, and corporations.
Private clients regarding the valuation of artworks for intended purchase or sale, as well as for matters concerning estates, legal guardianship, asset clarification, and the execution of wills.
Lawyers, executors of wills, and insolvency or estate administrators, for instance in cases of:
Insolvency proceedings, estate valuations, inheritance settlements, and divorce proceedings.
Arbitration proceedings.
Court-ordered expert reports.
Insurance matters:
- Valuation of artworks to determine insurance value and/or replacement value.
- Assessment of the extent of damage to insured artworks in cases of theft or liability claims, as well as determining the extent of damage to the object itself.
Referral to renowned conservators/restorers in cases of damage.
Brokerage of art sales through international contacts within the art market.
Fees
Expert fees are determined individually—that is, on a case-by-case basis. The following fee structures are available:
Hourly fee:
Time spent—specifically on-site inspections and research conducted at our offices (including literature review)—is generally billed at a fixed hourly rate.
Flat fee:
In some cases, we charge a flat fee for a precisely defined service.
Reimbursement of costs/incidental expenses:
These include mileage allowances for car travel, reimbursement for train and flight tickets where applicable, and accommodation expenses.
Telephone, photocopying, photography, postage, and clerical costs are charged as a flat-rate fee. Payment Terms:
All prices are subject to the currently applicable VAT rate of 19%.
Our VAT identification number is: DE 221 281 035.
Services
Our range of services:
International sourcing of specific individual pieces, facilitated by an experienced art historian with extensive knowledge of both domestic and international markets.
- Building your collection and/or furnishing your living spaces.
- Professional, careful restoration of high-quality furniture in our own workshop.
- Comprehensive expert appraisals for the purchase of every item.
