Art checklist
Record your first impression and don’t think about it, just write what you feel.
Describe the artwork in detail, write a full description and be as thorough as you can.
Figure out the condition, are the wear and tear marks because it is old or because it has been made to look old.
Also have a look through a magnifying glass to see if any changes have been made to the work. Artists more often than not change and paint over things during the creative process. If there are no changes at all, it is probably a copy.
Ask yourself if the wear and tear marks you see correspond with what the artwork was used for. Was the artwork decoration or was it a religious icon that has been kissed in the same spot for centuries etc.
Determine the style. Is the artwork consistent with the style of the period of history this piece is from and also is it consistent with the artists style at that point in their career.
Examine all documents about the ownership of the piece from creation to now.
Get a second opinion from an expert.
Get scientific tests done by experts (although forgers are pretty good at fooling these).
Compare your first impressions with what you have learned. Does this piece have enduring appeal for you? Do you ache to possess it? In your opinion is this inspirational art? If you do and everything checks out, then buy it and don’t forget to insure it.