Is a repaired piece of art as good as undamaged value

Question

I bought a painting and it was damaged during shipping. The gallery said they would repair it and that it would still be of equal value as if it were never damaged at all. Should I believe them? It seems that a damaged piece will have a diminished value.

Answer 1

If the painting is from a living artist that the gallery deals with, you should be fine. If the artist is not alive, you should find out what kind of damage it has. Anything on the frame is ok, but if they put a hole in the canvas, I would think twice about it.

Answer 2

If a repaired Picasso would have a diminished value (see story:  http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/1... ), then I think your piece would too.  I would see if you could submit a claim to the gallery's (liability and shipping) insurance for a reduced value, in addition to their repairing it for free.