Bio
As CEO of Skinner, Inc., Karen Keane oversees the operation of one of the world’s leading auction houses, the largest in New England. Karen was instrumental in the establishment of Skinner as a world-class auction gallery in Boston, as well as the company’s expansion into specialty areas that include Fine Musical Instruments, Science & Technology, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Fine Wines, and Judaica.
Karen brings her lifelong passion for art, antiques and the study of material culture to bear for Skinner’s business. In addition to running the company, she is also one of firm’s most versatile appraisers, possessing a broad knowledge of furniture, and fine and decorative arts. Her specialty areas include American Furniture and Decorative Arts, Americana, and Folk Art. Karen is USPAP certified by the Appraiser’s Association of America. She is also a formidable presence at the auction podium, and became the company’s first female auctioneer early in her career.
Karen is also a familiar face and leading appraiser on the PBS Emmy Award-winning TV series Antiques Roadshow. Sought-after by the media, Karen is a regular contributor to art and antiques publications, symposiums, web sites, and blogs. She lectures and conducts benefit auctions and appraisal events for non-profit and for-profit institutions nationwide. Karen holds a Master’s degree in Art History from Boston University. She is a former overseer of the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln, MA and she currently sits on the board of trustees of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design appointed by Governor Charlie Baker.
Appraisal Videos
Watch Karen Keane on the PBS TV series Antiques Roadshow:
L. & J.G. Stickley Oak Rocking Chair, ca. 1915
APPRAISED VALUE: $800 – $1,200
Ebenezer Hartshorn Queen Anne High Chest, ca. 1740
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,000 – $15,000
Venetian Hand-carved Rocking Chair, ca. 1880
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,500 – $2,000
George & Mira Nakashima Chairs & Table
APPRAISED VALUE: $13,000 – $17,000
Hispano-Moresque Vargueña Taquillón, ca. 1760
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,000 – $15,000
George Nelson Desk, ca. 1952
APPRAISED VALUE: $6,000 – $8,000
Art Deco Pier Table & Hall Mirror
APPRAISED VALUE: $600-800
Regency Secretary Bookcase, ca. 1815
APPRAISED VALUE: $15,000
1837 New York Grain-painted Pine Lock Box
APPRAISED VALUE: $1200-$1,800
1890 American Folk Art Carved Wooden Figure
APPRAISED VALUE: $5,000-$7,000
Bronze Reproduction, ca. 1980
APPRAISED VALUE: $600
Classical Boston Mixing Table, ca. 1820
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000-3,000
Lap Desk with General Artemas Ward Archive
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000-$4,000
Longwy Ceramic Charger, ca. 1930
APPRAISED VALUE: $800-$1,200
Tall Chest & Shaker Box
APPRAISED VALUE: $11,000-$13,500
Folk Art Carved Panel, ca. 1900
APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000-$5,000
Renaissance Revival Center Table, ca. 1880
APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000-$5,000
English Architect’s Desk, ca. 1730
APPRAISED VALUE: $4,000-$15,000
Georgian-Style Secretary Bookcase
APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000-$8,000
Moe-Bridges Table Lamp, ca. 1900
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,200-$1,800
Pennsylvania Tall Chest, ca. 1795
APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000-$5,000
Boy Scout Neckerchief Slides
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000
Franz Bergman Bronze Figure, ca. 1910
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,500-$2,000
Folk Art Oil Painting, ca. 1880
APPRAISED VALUE: $8,000-$12,000
Louisiana Work Table, ca. 1830
APPRAISED VALUE: $8,000-$12,000
Ohio Folk Portaits, ca. 1820
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,000
Art Nouveau Swan Lamp, ca. 1890
APPRAISED VALUE: $12,000-18,000
Victorian Oak Sideboard, ca. 1870
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000-3,000
Venetian Gilded Bergère, ca. 1850
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,000
Belding Bros. & Co. Thread Spool Display Cabinet, ca. 1880
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000-$4,000
Massachusetts William & Mary Gateleg Table, ca. 1690
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,000
Gustav Stickley Dining Room Set
APPRAISED VALUE: $8,000-$12,000
Tiffany Vases, ca. 1910
APPRAISED VALUE: $13,000
French Cartonnier Bureau Plat Movie Prop, ca. 1920
APPRAISED VALUE: $8,000-$20,000
Salesman Sample Ice Box, ca. 1890
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000
Empire Mahogany Marble-Top Table & Portrait Painting
APPRAISED VALUE: $10,800-$16,200
Paul Sormani Vitrine de Milieu, Paris, ca. 1890
APPRAISED VALUE: $12,000-$25,000
New York Empire Card Table, ca. 1825
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000-$2,000
Paul Sormani “Table Ambulante,” ca. 1867
APPRAISED VALUE: $4,000-$10,000
Austrian Enamel & Ebonized Cabinet, ca. 1900
APPRAISED VALUE: $20,000-$30,000
Aesthetic Movement Painted Pier Mirror, ca. 1900
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000-$1,500
Rhode Island Highboy Base, ca. 1750
APPRAISED VALUE: $2,000-$4,000
Egyptian Revival Folk Art Library Table, ca. 1922
APPRAISED VALUE: $8,500
Aesthetic Movement Plant Stand, ca. 1880
APPRAISED VALUE: $6,000-8,000
1971 George Nakashima Conoid Bench
APPRAISED VALUE: $45,000
19th & 20th-Century Inkwell Collection
APPRAISED VALUE: $3,000-$5,000
Aesthetic Movement Library Table, ca. 1870
APPRAISED VALUE: $6,000-$8,000
20th-Century Reproduction Federal Sideboard
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,500-$2,000
John Henry Hopkins & Family Portrait, ca. 1825
APPRAISED VALUE: $25,000-$30,000
Nakashima-Style Table, ca. 1950
APPRAISED VALUE: $1,000