Collector Commentary
Fine art and antique appraisal is a complex and multi-faceted profession that requires a deep understanding of both the art market and the history of art and design. In these articles, we dive into the world of art and antique appraisal, exploring the intricacies of valuing works of art while examining the historical and market influences that shape their worth.
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Here you will find our favorite articles that will answer all your questions about antique and art appraisal.
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Here we explore the fascinating world of the art market. From soaring auction prices to emerging artists, stay up-to-date with the latest trends and insights in this ever-evolving industry.
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Join us on a journey through time as we explore the rich and diverse history of art and design. From prehistoric cave paintings to modern masterpieces, discover the stories and influences behind some of the greatest works of art in human history.
Analyzing Ariel: Mermaid Imagery through the Ages
Mermaid mythos has infiltrated our curious minds for centuries, whether in more palatable forms like Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” or the more sinister Hans Christian Andersen story ending in tragedy. Capturing the imaginations of artists and audiences alike, the mermaid has experienced a variety of depictions and evolutions in visual culture across time, often mimicking the ever-changing perception of women in society.
7 Art Films You Might Have Missed
As an art history lover, it’s likely you’ve already seen The Thomas Crowne Affair, Frida, Girl with a Pearl Earring, and more, but filmmakers in recent years have become interested in both revealing the more secretive aspects of the art world as well as seamlessly incorporating art into films with other themes. Normalizing issues of art crime, female representation, and highlighting the unconventional is compelling to audiences, and often contributes to a sense of realism within other stories.
8 Art Books You Need to Read
Through a mix of historical and contemporary themes, these 8 books confront the underlying social structures that affect the art world and its creations. Topics centered around the practice of collecting, the making of visual culture, art crime, colonialism, and more stir up new and invigorating conversations surrounding the art world and those who operate within it.
The Rise and Fall of Connoisseurship
The notion of a connoisseur having “discriminating taste” is perhaps the most concise way to identify why the practice provides necessary expertise, yet creates suspicion in its blind faith approach. An experienced professional knows that relying on a team of experts often yields the best results, as perhaps the practice of connoisseurship is not as useful in isolation as it was in the past.
Surrealist Icons
Last month, Hindman’s auction ‘Casting Spells: The Gertrude Abercrombie Collection of Laura and Gary Maurer’ saw Abercrombie’s achieve record highs for the artist, suggesting collectors and other art players pay close attention to female surrealism, both of the past and presently. Abercrombie’s 1953 Self and Cat (Possims) sold through Hindman in 2003, going well beyond its estimate of $5,000-7,000, selling at $20,060. Last Wednesday, the same self portrait sold for $375,000. Other works in Abercrombie’s oeuvre reveal a similar allure, with familiar subjects like doors, shells, and animals fetching record-setting numbers as well.
What Happens to the Arts When the Economy Suffers and What Can We Do About It?
Widespread unemployment. Shuttering cultural institutions. Struggling artists. Sound familiar? As events often repeat themselves, the difficulties of the current art world can be mirrored to the 1930s in the United States.