WELCOME TO OUR GALLERY
What is not self-explanatory about it is hopefully covered in the writing below. It is a bit of reading, but we urge you to do so. There is general knowledge within it that will make you a wiser collector.
The Nature of Antique Art as an Investment
Works of fine visual Art, of course,
have more than monetary value. They are almost by definition of value
simply because of their looks. This may seem superficial, but in truth,
the power of these pieces lies in the feelings they can impart to the
viewer. This has been true since cave paintings first gave their creators
and others feelings of control and understanding of the creatures of
the ancient world. Works of visual Art seem to help us understand our
environment, even our spirituality, our past, as nothing else can. Having
said all that, we have to begin the vulgar task of assigning a monetary
value to Art work. Fortunately, many institutions have been recording
Art prices for quite a few decades now. The records, mostly of major
auction houses like Christie's, or Southeby's, have been gathered in
various annual publications, cataloged by Artists and to a lesser degree
by country and period. We therefore have a reference when seeking to
evaluate many works of Art. [One should always keep in mind that most
of these prices are auction sales. An auction usually reflects low or
wholesale prices, not what one would expect to find under retail circumstances.]
There are also volumes, of course, on the lives and histories of Artists
and movements, and a wonderful encyclopedia of Artists, Benezit.
We will make reference to these volumes in descriptions of pieces you'll
find in our gallery. Our prices will reflect our true estimated value
of the Art presented, based on three criteria. The first of these is
what the international Art auction records may show us. The second is
the piece's value as compared to what is available in contemporary work
of equal character, and finally a piece's nature as an antique. Often
the frame in which the piece will be presented will have substantial
value. If so, we shall advise you of such. Pricing good Art correctly
so as to reflect the full potential of its value makes the worth and
uniqueness of these pieces understood in monetary terms, thereby ensuring
their respect and preservation. Over time this is all that will matter.
You will find these pieces we present will, in their own way, have a
character hard to find and worthy of even the most discriminating collector.
The quality and presentation of our pieces meet the highest standards
of design and conservation.
Appendix
of Books to be seen Referenced
Art Price Indicator International, ADEC,
Ehrmann publishers
E. Benezit,Dictionnaire Des Peintres Sculpturres Dessinatteurs et
Graveurs, Grund publishers
Davenport's Art Reference and Price Guide, R. J. Davenport, publisher
Mallett's Index of Artists,
Mayer International Auction Records, Lausanne-Paris
Who was Who in American Art, Sound View Press
Catalog
