Collector Resources
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.
-
Here you will find our favorite articles that will answer all your questions about antique and art appraisal.
-
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.
-
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.
Are Art Appraisals Worth It?
10 Bananas Thrift Store Finds
Although rare, high value objects at the thrift store are not necessarily impossible to find. It typically takes a keen eye to recognize an object that seems out of place, a concept that has captured the imagination of Goodwill-goers for decades. The idea that your local thrift store may be hiding hidden treasure may seem far-fetched, but it likely did to these 10 lucky buyers of overlooked art historical gems as well:
Exploring the Riches of Visual Arts in Kentucky: A Conversation with Patrick Smith
When discussing emerging artists, there are a number of blockbuster artists that captivate media attention. However, this series aims to highlight visual artists working in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois to showcase their work and philosophies and bring attention to the rich environments where the arts flourish in our region. In this post we are pleased to feature the work of Patrick Smith.
A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Fine Art Insurance Appraisal
Whether you're an art collector or simply looking to insure a piece of artwork, obtaining an art appraisal for insurance is crucial. A professional art appraiser will accurately assess the value of your artwork and provide an important document for your insurance policy. Learn about the process and find out how to get an accurate appraisal here.
Art Appraisal Near Me: What You Need to Know
Looking for an art appraisal near you? This guide covers everything you need to know, from the appraisal process to finding a reputable appraiser in your area.
Stolen AI Art: Investigating the Intersection of Technology and Art Theft
Last month, it was revealed AI art generator Stable Diffusion had been poaching images from artists worldwide. Their online images were illegally scraped to train the program, according to Artnet. While AI art is marketed as an autonomous entity, the truth is that there are millions of images and illustrations taken from real-life artists that teach and inform the AI’s creations.
The Truth About Certified Art Appraisers
Discover the reality of the certified art appraiser and why they don't actually exist. We will explore the lack of governmental oversight in the personal property appraisal industry, including art, antiques, and more. Learn about the risks of hiring an unqualified art appraiser and gain insight into making informed decisions when it comes to valuing your artwork.
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.
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Under Attack
Ukraine’s Kherson regional history museum has been pillaged by Russian civilian and military forces under orders that intentionally rob Ukrainians of their cultural heritage. Known to have one of the most impressive and sizable collections of its kind, the Kherson museum contained precious objects spanning Ukraine’s history which Russian forces have systematically looted.
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.
Glass Onion
f you saw Glass Onion’s Netflix premiere last week (spoilers ahead!), you may have picked up on the intentional yet subtle characterization of genius billionaire Miles Bron through the decorative aspects of his mansion, gardens, and more interestingly, the art he collects. A particularly biting and appropriate satire exposing the reality behind some tech geniuses, Glass Onion cleverly touches upon an issue that often affects the contemporary art world.
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.
The Art of Celebrity
It’s not often we see celebrities cross over into the art world as those who create rather than collect. There are those who go above and beyond to engage with the art world and pursue their practice–but how does this type of expression differ from the spectacle of television and film?
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.
Surrealist Legacies
The 2022 Venice Biennale’s central exhibition takes its title The Milk of Dreams from the writings of female surrealist Leonora Carrington (1917-2011), curated by Cecilia Alemani. Including both contemporary and historical artists, Alemani outlines a magical realm that proves the enduring nature of surrealist notions. Now is the chance to learn from art history and take note of their rising female contemporaries who continue the surrealist legacy
Transylvania’s Curious Histories
In 2003, four college students in Lexington, Kentucky orchestrated a DIY heist, hoping to steal four folios of John James Audubon’s Birds of America from the Transylvania University Library’s Special Collections. The group failed at their intended mission and resorted to grabbing a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species and tasing a female librarian instead. Transylvania University, which also happens to be Lindsey Owen’s alma mater, tied Central Kentucky to one of the largest art heists in FBI history.
Victorian Perspectives on Death
The Victorian era was a jumping-off point for a variety of strange and curious traditions surrounding death, none of which survive, yet remain ingrained in our perceptions of the time. Mourning jewelry, death portraits, and more reveal the materiality of death as well as scientific and spiritual notions of the period. Despite Victorians’ belief in the sanctity of bodily relics after passing, they partook in mummy unrollings and even incorporated parts of them in homeopathic remedies.
Master Forger Icilio Federico Joni
Of all the notorious forgers in art history, perhaps the most interesting relationship between forger and victim comes from the tale of Icilio Federico Joni and legendary connoisseur Bernard Berenson. Joni did the impossible, ultimately tricking Berenson with one of his forgeries, a game he would play repeatedly. Although Joni was originally interested in putting his mastery of painting and aging works to use for financial gain, he was eventually satisfied with the mere idea of fooling Berenson.
Underwater Cultural Heritage
With Steven Spielberg’s Goonies story being brought to life last week, now is the time to discover the real world of underwater cultural heritage that parallels the captivating realm of treasure hunting. Named ‘The Beeswax Project’ on account of the beeswax chunks found floating to shore, the Spanish galleon that may have inspired ‘The Goonies’ was also carrying a diverse selection of Chinese porcelain when it capsized in 1693. So what happens to these treasures, and are they actually up for grabs by just anyone?
Should You Invest in NFTS and Cryptoart?
Over the last several months, there has been increased media coverage on NFTs and cryptoart. NFTs and cryptoart are not new things— in fact, the first NFTs were used in 2017. As for cryptoart, this is an iteration of digital art or computer art (a.k.a. “new media”), and artists and art critics have been dissecting these pieces since the early 1950s. Cryptoart is simply digital art that is integrated into blockchain technology.