How to Read the Secondary Art Market Without Getting Burned
A Short Collector’s Guide to Provenance, Price, and Pitfalls The secondary art market can feel like a labyrinth. For the seasoned collector, it’s a landscape rich with opportunity — and risk. Unlike buying directly from an artist or gallery, purchasing from the secondary market involves additional layers: historical value, legal clarity, and market psychology. Start with Provenance, Not Price A competitive price tag is meaningless without clear provenance. Can the seller trace ownership back to the artist or a credible dealer? Are exhibition records, publications, or previous auctions properly documented? These are not extras — they are non-negotiables. Rarity ≠ Quality A work might be rare because no one wanted…
Fine art’s market value
Why are original artworks so interesting for investors? Beside increasing in value, art can be used as collateral. What are the requirements and considerations? What are the characteristics of fine art that makes it a viable alternative security? Let’s analyze the appreciation of art in the course of time, because collecting and owning it can be compared to the stock market. When we examine the value of art in the context of current national and international economy, we draw lessons from the power of art in former economies and project what this may mean for the future. As a reader of Forbes you know what “market values” are. When wars or revolutions…
