Auction Term
Patina
Cataloging, Condition & Attribution
The surface character a material acquires with age and handling, generally desirable and not to be confused with damage.
Keep learning
More auction terms
- PeriodAn item made during the era its style represents, as opposed to a later revival or reproduction.
- ProvenanceThe documented history of ownership of an item, often used to support authenticity and value.
- School Of / Follower OfA work by a pupil or contemporary working in the artist’s style.
- SilverplateA base metal object covered with a thin layer of silver; not solid silver and valued accordingly.
- Sterling SilverSilver of 92.5% purity, the standard for English and most American silver.
- AfterA copy of a known work by the named artist, made by another hand.
- AppraisalThe process of estimating the value of an item before it is offered for auction.
- Artist’s Proof (AP)An impression outside the numbered edition, traditionally retained by the artist.