Artwork is defined as the original design including graphics and text, or the reproduction of an original design, produced by an artist. The online market for artwork is currently fueled by folk art and by little-known artists who represent their own work, in addition to original works of art by named artists. However, concerns about forgeries often discourage buyers from bidding on pieces produced by well-known artists.

Forgery in the art world is nothing new; people have hawked counterfeit paintings and prints for centuries. Many in today’s art world feel the problem has only worsened with the emergence of online marketplaces such as eBay, since artworks are rarely inspected in person prior to being purchased. In one of the most widely publicized cases, an eBay member bid over $135,805 for a counterfeit Richard Diebenkorn painting (the seller was caught and later pled guilty to fraud).

If you decide to sell art through an online auction, consider having the piece appraised (if it hasn’t already been) by a reputable art dealer; look in the yellow pages under “Art” or contact the American Society of Appraisers. Visit their website at http://www.appraisers.org .

Include the appraisal details and the name of the appraiser in the listing. Also, be sure to include the piece’s “provenance” (its history), as this will help determine the value. Some sellers include a brief biography of the artist in their listing; this isn’t necessary for Picasso, but can be helpful in the case of an artist who isn’t as well-known. Some galleries include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) with the pieces they sell; in which case a separate appraisal isn’t necessary unless the COA is quite old or you have questions about its legitimacy.

Artcyclopedia is an excellent resource. Here you can search for specific works by many artists, find links to museums and galleries around the world, and see the value of specific pieces. Visit the website at http://www.artcyclopedia.com.

Note the following signs of wear and tear in your listings:

• Rips, tears or holes in paintings
• Creases or tears in prints and photographs
• Cracked, chipped or broken frames
• Broken or missing glass
• Mold, mildew or musty odors from storage
• Water damage, fading or discoloration

Include descriptions and photographs of the back and undersides of the piece in your listing; show things like hangers, wires and stamps or labels from galleries and framing shops.

Many works of art are delicate in nature and require special shipping and storage. Store art in a well-ventilated room away from moisture, direct heat, sunlight, children and pets. Store paintings and framed pieces upright, don’t stack pieces on top of each other, and watch out for fingerprints.

For paintings, drawings and photos that are framed under glass:

• Remove the glass and wrap it with bubble wrap or foam
• Place a layer of bubble wrap or cardboard between the glass and the art (be careful not to damage the art)
• Reinforce the piece with cardboard corners
• Wrap the entire piece with bubble wrap
• Use a strong box; you may want to double-box for added security
• Choose a box that is at least 6” larger on all sides than the piece (including the thickness of the art). Fill all areas around the piece with foam, making sure there is no room for the painting to slip or move during transport.

For unframed pieces (like photographs), place the artwork inside a clear poly bag and sandwich between two pieces of rigid cardboard; this will prevent the piece from being bent or rolled.

Large, heavy, ornate or particularly valuable pieces often need to be crated; a freight service can give you a quote on building a custom-sized crate and transporting an item. These crates resemble what you might expect a giant piece of heavy machinery to be shipped in. The sheer size and proportions of the crate make it an expensive option, but one that might be necessary for some works. Valuable art should always be insured in shipping.