More than 40 years ago, Norman Rockwell's Boy Asleepwith Hoe, also known as Lazy Bones or Taking aBreak, was stolen from a home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, andthe family submitted a claim to their insurer.

In March 2017, the FBI announced that the painting was recovered.(One reason it was quickly identified was that the piece still hada minor indentation from the owner's pool cue.) In a ceremony inPhiladelphia, the painting was returned to the family by the FBIand is currently slated for auction at an estimated value of $1,000,000 to$1,500,000 – significantly more than the value of the artwork whenthe claim was made in 1976.

For adjusters, involvement with these types of high-value — andhigh-profile — claims can be unusual. However, when they do occur,it is important to be well-equipped with the right information andskills to handle them effectively. Here are a few considerations tokeep in mind.

Time is of the essence

Causes of fine art claims vary but they are often accidentalsuch as damage during transport. The financial consequences forclients can be devastating if damages are not reported andaddressed in a timely manner, so respond as quickly as possible toavoid further damage.

Find out when the loss or damage occurred, and determine thesource such as a burst water pipe, fire or accidental breakage.Sometimes, the longer the art is left in a damaged state, the moredifficult it is to successfully restore.

Also speak with the client about the condition of the pieceprior to damage. Ideally, the client should have details such asthe artist, title, date, acquisition information and photographsdepicting the artwork's original state, as well as any identifyingmarks like the pool-cue hole in Boy Asleep with Hoe. Adetailed item description can help expedite the claimprocess. 

Finding the right conservator can preserve a work of art andsave an insurer from an escalating claim. (Photo:Shutterstock)

Handle with (expert) care

Upon assessment, connect with a conservator who specializes inthe artwork's genre—for example, contemporary paintings, oldmasters or even outdoor sculpture. To help identify the rightresources, organizations including the AmericanInstitute for Conservation can provide contact information forprofessionals, along with areas of specialization and expertise.Look for a “Professional Associate” or “Fellow” designation to findmembers who have gone through a peer review process. 

After identifying the right conservator, the damaged art willprobably need to be transported for further examination andtreatment. Hire professionals who are well-trained in the packing,shipping and handling of fine art, especially since transportationis a leading cause of fine art claims (or can further exacerbatethe claim). Ensure that they inspect the artwork and complete acondition report prior to packing; use materials appropriate forthe size, weight and fragility of the piece; and haveclimate-controlled and air ride systems to reduce the risk offurther damage while en route.

The conservator will further examine the artwork and develop atreatment plan to address damages. If the work was created after1990 and the artist is still alive, the artist should be consultedon damage and proposed treatment. Per guidelines in the VisualArtists Rights Act (VARA), artists have the right to renounce worksthat have been distorted, mutilated or modified to an extent thatwould be prejudicial to their reputation. To protect clients,confirm that the artist approves of the treatment approach. If theartist is no longer alive, the conservator may consult with theartist's estate.

Depending on the extent of damage, treatment can be a longprocess. Conservators may need to test various treatment optionsand work slowly to monitor a work's reaction. An appraiser shouldbe consulted during or following treatment to evaluate any loss invalue resulting from the claim. Work with an appraiser whospecializes in the type of art under review, and has expertise incompleting damage and loss appraisals. The AppraisersAssociation of America, the American Society ofAppraisers, and the International Society of Appraisers can providecontact information for professional appraiser members throughoutthe country.

For adjusters, knowing how to move quickly and get a piece intothe hands of experts can be the difference between restoring amillion-dollar piece and a total loss. Are you prepared?

Laura Doyle ([email protected])is vicepresident, collections manager at Chubb.