Collecting art can involve much more than choosing what hangs on the wall.

Private collectors may encounter documents connected with estates, transactions, business matters, authorizations, international dealings, or other situations in which notarization is requested.

When that happens, the notary's responsibility is specific: properly perform the requested notarial act.

A notary does not authenticate the artwork, establish provenance, determine ownership, or provide an appraisal.

When you think of an art gallery, you probably picture paintings, exhibitions, collectors, and opening nights.

A notary probably isn't the first person who comes to mind.

But galleries, artists, collectors, and other professionals in the art world may occasionally encounter documents that require notarization.