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.

From Paintings to Sculptures: The Art of Appraising Fine Art
Lindsey Owen Lindsey Owen

From Paintings to Sculptures: The Art of Appraising Fine Art

Appraising fine art is a crucial step in the art market. Whether you are an artist, collector, or investor, understanding the value of a piece can help you make informed decisions. Appraisals provide an objective assessment of an artwork's worth, taking into account factors such as artistic merit, historical significance, and market demand. Without proper appraisal, it's difficult to determine the fair price of a piece, leading to potential financial losses or missed opportunities.

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Analyzing Ariel: Mermaid Imagery through the Ages
Art History, Literature, Women in Art Madison Kelley Art History, Literature, Women in Art Madison Kelley

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.

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Unveiling the Craft: Exploring the Role of an Art Appraiser
Lindsey Owen Lindsey Owen

Unveiling the Craft: Exploring the Role of an Art Appraiser

Step into the captivating world of art appraisal, where expertise and insight converge to unveil the intrinsic value of artistic mastery. As art continues to transcend boundaries, the role of an art appraiser becomes increasingly vital. Beyond just assessing market value, art appraisers serve as custodians of culture, deciphering the nuances that make each piece a timeless expression.

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Decoding the Worth: Navigating the World of Fine Art Appraisals
Lindsey Owen Lindsey Owen

Decoding the Worth: Navigating the World of Fine Art Appraisals

Navigating the intriguing world of fine art appraisals can be both exhilarating and confounding. From the enchanting stroke of the brush to the mesmerizing play of colors, each stroke and hue holds a story, a history, and a value. Understanding the worth of a piece of fine art goes beyond its aesthetic appeal; it delves into an intricate web of historical context, provenance, artist's legacy, and market demand. In this article, we embark on a journey to decode the mystery of fine art appraisals, unraveling the nuances, methodologies, and key factors that contribute to determining the value of fine art pieces. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a collector, or a professional in the art industry, this guide aims to demystify the appraisal process, providing insights that can empower you to make informed decisions.

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Unlocking the Value: How Artwork Appraisers Near Me Elevate the Art Market
Lindsey Owen Lindsey Owen

Unlocking the Value: How Artwork Appraisers Near Me Elevate the Art Market

Are you an enthusiast looking to assess the worth of an artwork? Artwork appraisers are the compasses guiding both seasoned collectors and new buyers through the labyrinth of valuing art. Unravel the mystery behind the value of art with the expert eye of artwork appraisers located in your vicinity.

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10 Bananas Thrift Store Finds
Art News, Collecting Antiques, Art Collecting Madison Kelley Art News, Collecting Antiques, Art Collecting Madison Kelley

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:

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Exploring the Riches of Visual Arts in Kentucky: A Conversation with Patrick Smith
Visual Art, Artist Profile, Kentucky, Interview Madison Kelley Visual Art, Artist Profile, Kentucky, Interview Madison Kelley

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.

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A Complete Guide to Obtaining a Fine Art Insurance Appraisal

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.

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Stolen AI Art: Investigating the Intersection of Technology and Art Theft
Art News, New Frontiers Lindsey Owen Art News, New Frontiers Lindsey Owen

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.

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The Truth About Certified Art Appraisers

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.

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7 Art Films You Might Have Missed
Art History, Film, Art Crime, Repatriation Madison Kelley Art History, Film, Art Crime, Repatriation Madison Kelley

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.

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Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Under Attack
Cultural Heritage, Ukraine, Art Crime Madison Kelley Cultural Heritage, Ukraine, Art Crime Madison Kelley

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.

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8 Art Books You Need to Read
Art Literature, Recommendations, Art History Madison Kelley Art Literature, Recommendations, Art History Madison Kelley

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.

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Glass Onion
Glass Onion, Film, Satire Madison Kelley Glass Onion, Film, Satire Madison Kelley

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.

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The Rise and Fall of Connoisseurship
Connoisseurship, Authentication, Art History Madison Kelley Connoisseurship, Authentication, Art History Madison Kelley

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.

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Surrealist Icons
Surrealism, Women in Art, Art History Madison Kelley Surrealism, Women in Art, Art History Madison Kelley

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.

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Surrealist Legacies
Surrealism, Art Collecting, Women in Art Madison Kelley Surrealism, Art Collecting, Women in Art Madison Kelley

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

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