Antique Art

The word “antique” comes from the Latin anti meaning backward. Thus, an object is considered to be an antique if it was made before a particular date. An antique art piece can be defined as any artwork created before 1900. This includes; oil paintings, water coloring, acrylics, pencil drawings, etchings, pastels, lithographs, woodcuts, prints, sculptures, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, textiles, metalwork, glassware, coins, stamps, posters, comic books, etc.

To determine what an antique is, you need to look at both the art and the artist who produced it. Generally, if the artist was famous enough, his/her works could become collectible as antiques. Likewise, the quality of the piece and the materials used in its creation become significant.

To classify something as an antique, there are several ways. One way is to use the year the work was first made. This is called the “first edition.” Another method is to look at when the piece was last signed. This is known as the “last edition.” These act as key factors for antique valuation.

As for collecting antiques, it is often done for purposes other than financial gain. People collect antiques because they enjoy looking at them, or to create memories with them. Collectors also look for interesting stories about the history behind the object.

Most collectors tend to stick with a few categories. Typically, they prefer classical works, like Roman busts, Greek vases, and Chinese porcelain. Then, there are decorative arts such as furniture and textiles. Finally, they may collect fine art. One thing that they do agree upon though is that antiques vary greatly in value.

Today, antiques are sold online. More and more individuals are buying antiques because they feel that they are getting a good deal. Many people buy antiques because they love art. Others purchase them for their aesthetic appeal. Still, others buy them to decorate their home. However, antiques are also valuable because they provide collectors with items that are often irreplaceable, especially those collected by famous artists.

Antique Art Types

1. Oil Paintings

Oil paintings are some of the oldest forms of art created in history. These works of art have been around since ancient times, dating back to Egyptian and Greek cultures. Today, oil paintings are still popular among people because they tend to produce vibrant colors that are pleasing to the eye.

An oil painting begins with a sketch or design that’s then covered in layers upon layers of paint. Artists may use a palette knife or their fingers to add color to the canvas. Once complete, the final product is sealed with a protective varnish.

2. Watercolors

Watercolor is a water-based style of painting that dates back hundreds of years ago. Unlike other types of paint, watercolors consist of pigments suspended in water rather than oils. Many artists consider this type of artwork to be the easiest way to create a beautiful piece.

A watercolor artist uses brushes dipped in water to apply thin layers of paint onto paper. When finished, a mixture of water and pigment is added to the brush to make the painting permanent.

3. Acrylics

Acrylics were first introduced during the 1940s. Since then, acrylics have risen in popularity over traditional oil paints. Today, these paints are used to express creativity in many ways including murals, sculptures, and paintings.

With acrylics, a painter mixes water, solvents, pigments, and additives to create a liquid material that dries quickly. Usually, an artist first creates shapes using pencils or pens before

4. Sculptures

The sculpture dates back to ancient civilizations, and people began making them out of stone, clay, and wood. At first, these sculptures resembled religious icons, but over time sculptors started using different materials and techniques. Today, sculpture can take many forms including jewelry, figurines, busts, reliefs, and statues.

5. Drawings And Sketches

Drawings date back to ancient civilizations. A sketch is similar to a drawing in that it is hand-drawn, but it may look rougher than a drawing.

6. Textiles

Textiles date back hundreds of years ago. They are made from fabric, whether natural or synthetic. In addition, textiles can be woven (i.e., cloth), knitted, crocheted, or sewn. Many textile pieces have practical uses, while others are decorative items.

What Is Art Valuation?

Art valuations are the values given to works of art based on their estimated worth. There are different methods of determining the value of artworks including auction prices, direct market price, and fair market price.

• Auction prices are generally considered the highest estimates of the true market value of the piece. In addition to being the most accurate reflection of the current state of the art, they are also the easiest method of valuing art. Auctions are held by reputable auction houses that have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality.
• Direct market pricing is the second type of valuation. These prices are based on what collectors are willing to pay for specific pieces. Since these prices are based entirely on supply and demand, they fluctuate wildly. If you want to find out how much work might sell for at auction, you should contact a museum or gallery owner directly to inquire about the piece’s current market value.
• Fair market pricing occurs when two parties negotiate a mutually agreed upon price. This is often the case when selling artwork to a buyer. Fair market pricing takes into account the following factors: condition (museum vs private collection), size, artist (artist signature/certificate), and age.
• Resale Value Prices. This is the price someone might pay if the artwork were to be resold in the future. This price may fluctuate depending on how many people bid on the work, its condition, or even the artist’s reputation.

Why Valuation Matters

• Art collectors have increased purchasing power. The art market is the largest asset class in existence today, valued at $8 trillion globally. As the global economy continues its recovery, wealthy individuals across the globe are looking for ways to invest their cash rather than sit on it. That means buying art. In fact, in 2013 the world’s wealthiest people spent almost half of their wealth – $300 billion – on acquiring artwork. And over the last few years, this trend has continued.
• Artworks are great investments. Over the past decade, the average return on investment in fine arts has been 17% annually. To put that in perspective, the S&P 500 Index returned 10% in 2014.
• Artwork appreciation year after year. The art industry is cyclical. Sometimes artists go out of favor; sometimes they become popular again. But the appreciation of art tends to be stable over time. Over the long term, investors should expect a positive correlation between the performance of the art market and the stock market. If the art market rises, then stocks rise. If the art market falls, then stocks fall.
• The art market is global. Today, the global art market is worth around $8 trillion, just behind the global financial services market ($9.3 trillion). But it doesn’t end there. There are approximately 80 million works of art sitting in private collections worldwide. Collectors tend to own artworks by well-known artists (such as Monet), iconic artists (such as Picasso), and masterpieces (like The Scream by Edvard Munch). These artists are often considered to be among the best of their generation. So, if you’re a budding artist, now might be a good time to start a career!
• Artwork can diversify portfolios. There are many reasons to invest in art. One of them is to add diversity to your portfolio. A collection of artworks will offer a broader base of expertise than any single sector, including technology, real estate, biotech, or even oil and gas.
• An art collection can complement home decor. Many homeowners choose art pieces as a way to create a personal connection to the places they live and work. Today, the art market offers options ranging from affordable reproductions of famous paintings to valuable original works.

What Makes Art Valuable?

1. Style Of Work

The style of art is a determinate factor in its value. A work of high artistic quality is always worth more than a work of low artistic quality, provided they are otherwise similar. High-quality works may be valued higher if they are considered rare or unique. In general, however, these factors do not add much to their prices.

2. Rarity

Rarity is often cited as one of the most important factors determining the price of any artwork. However, rarity alone does not determine the value of an object. If one were to purchase a painting by Raphael for $100,000, it would still be worth only about half as much as a comparable oil painting by Cezanne, even though the latter was likely bought at auction for many times more. Likewise, if one were to buy a Rembrandt reproduction from eBay for $10,000, it would have no more value than a similar reproduction of the same artist’s work purchased for $20. Even if the reproduction had been signed by the artist, the name does not guarantee authenticity.

3. Value Of Like Kinds

If two items are of the same kind (e.g., paintings, sculptures, coins), then the value of one should approximately equal the value of the other. For example, the value of a Picasso drawing might be roughly equivalent to the value of a Picasso painting.

4. Authenticity

Authenticity affects both the value of an item and the likelihood that someone would pay for it. An authentic piece of art is generally more valuable than a copy of it. Whether an item is considered genuine is determined by experts’ opinions rather than objective standards. Therefore, many appraisals depend on subjective judgments to decide whether something is legitimate.

Art historians may argue that certain pieces of art are inherently and universally valuable — e.g., Michelangelo’s David, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, etc. However, others believe that these pieces are simply examples of great artists who happened to create some extraordinary work. While the former position may be true, it does not change the fact that the latter position is probably closer to reality.

5. Condition

Condition is perhaps the single most important aspect of an object’s value. Many people mistakenly consider a condition to refer solely to the physical state of an object. In actuality, the condition refers to the degree to which an object reflects its original condition. When an object is damaged, worn down, or otherwise deteriorated, then it is said to be in poor condition. Objects in good condition tend to be those that have remained relatively undisturbed since they were created.

6. Market Demand

Market demand is affected by several factors, including the number of potential buyers, interest rates, current economic conditions, and the period for which demand is assessed. Market demand is also influenced by the number of objects of a given type currently available for sale. As a general rule, demand decreases as supply increases over time.

7. Subject Matter

Subject matter refers to the content of the picture, whether it was of a landscape, portrait, still life, etc. The value increases if it depicts something rare or unusual, or even if it is a self-portrait.

8. Reproduction Rights

Although reproductions of a work are cheaper and easier to obtain than originals, the demand for them is increasing due to the increasing number of people collecting art. Therefore, prices are rising. As a result, reproduction rights have become increasingly important to art dealers and collectors.

9. Date Created

Artists of past centuries often did not sign their paintings, making them harder to trace back to the actual creator. When signatures do exist, the date they were written on the canvas becomes important.

10. Artist’s Reputation

A reputable artist will always be considered more valuable than a lesser-known artist. Also, a famous artist’s name will increase the value of his or her work.

11. Size

Size is the most important factor in determining art value. An artwork’s size directly impacts its monetary worth. In today’s market, it is highly unlikely that a piece of art will fetch high prices if it is small in scale. A larger canvas attracts eyeballs and commands attention much easier than something small. As a result, a painting that measures around 15 x 20 inches is likely to sell for higher amounts than a smaller work measuring only 10 x 12.

12. Technique And Skill Level

Technique and skill level determine how much effort was put into creating the artwork. More skilled artists spend long hours working on their creations while less skilled artists may only spend a few minutes on the piece before moving on to the next item. Also, technique and skill are directly correlated to quality. If the artist spent more time perfecting his skills, the finished product would likely look more professional and thus more valuable.

13. Provenance

Provenance refers to the ownership history of the object. Was it owned by the same family for generations? Did it once belong to the artist? Does it have a certificate of authenticity? These questions all play a significant role in determining the value of a particular piece.

14. Material & Color

Material plays a huge role in valuing an object. Wood, marble, or stone is a great way to make a statement with your home decor. Look at the material used to create the work. Does it match the rest of your furniture? Are there stains or scratches on it? These things help give the item character and value. Also, color is a major aspect of the material. Paintings, sculptures, and even jewelry are rarely colored the same shade. Mixing different colors makes each piece unique and special.

Online Appraisal

Auctions are generally held by galleries, museums, auction houses, etc., but some websites offer online art appraisals. These sites allow users to submit images of artworks and then compare them to others that have already been submitted to get a general idea about the current market value of the artwork. If the user is interested in buying the piece, he or she can purchase it immediately or ask the site to give him or her an estimate of how much the piece would cost, depending on its condition. There are different types of online appraisals:

• Dealer based (by a dealer) – This method involves the dealer selling the artwork directly to the customer.
• Independent dealer-based (by a third party, not necessarily a dealer) – A third-party company sells the artwork directly to the consumer while taking a commission fee from the seller.
• Consumer-based (by a buyer) – This method requires the artist to sell their artwork directly to the consumer. Consumers then have the option of having the work appraised by either a third party or dealer. Most consumers opt to go the dealer route. Dealers often charge a flat rate (usually lower than the wholesale value), take a small percentage of the sale price, and provide a guarantee if the piece does not sell.
• Auction house based (by an auction house) – An established auction house holds auctions where prospective buyers bid on specific pieces of art. There is no middleman between the artist and the buyer.
• Gallery/museum based (by a gallery/museum) – A nonprofit organization may choose to hold an exhibition featuring contemporary artists’ works. Artists’ works are exhibited at the gallery/museum for a predetermined period, after which they return to the artist. Both the gallery/museum and the artist benefit from this arrangement since the gallery/museum receives income from admission fees and sales, while the artist gets exposure and publicity for his/her work.

How To Find An Online Art Appraisal Service?

Many websites are offering online art appraisal services. You can browse these listings to identify those sites that best fit your needs. Many of these sites require a minimum amount of information before submitting an image. In addition, some of these sites allow you to upload your images. When comparing prices, look for features that will help you determine whether or not you should buy the piece.

Choosing The Right Art Appraiser

• Experience Level – Do they have experience with particular types of work? Is this their first time doing appraisals? How long have they been working as an appraiser? Will they provide references? Are they willing to work with you at all points along the way? If not, how do they plan to make sure that the appraisal meets your expectations?

• Cost – What does this professional charge? Can you negotiate lower fees if they give you good service?

• Knowledge and expertise – Does the appraiser know about artwork? Is he knowledgeable about local artists and schools? Do they have ties to museums or universities?

Advantages Of Professional Art Appraisers

• Professional art appraisers have specialized knowledge about the art market and the history of art. Knowledge of these topics gives them a competitive advantage. In addition, art experts are trained to spot fakes and identify items that may be stolen. Knowing the ins and outs of the art market helps art appraisers avoid making mistakes when valuing artwork. • Professional art appraisers understand how collectors value artworks. Whether they use a price guide book, online pricing sites, or personal experience that is their own, professional art appraisers have access to the best information about what buyers are willing to pay for certain pieces. • Because art appraisal is a multi-faceted field, professionals develop skills in many different aspects of the industry. Most appraisers specialize in one particular area, but some work on multiple subjects. As a result, they tend to know enough about several types of art to evaluate a wide range of items. • You will get a fair price. Unlike many things in the world, art does not depreciate over time. You may remember how much something cost years ago, but chances are you won’t have the same sense of nostalgia once you’ve sold it. If you’re looking at selling artwork at auction online, then you don’t need to worry about depreciation – any profit you make on the piece is pure profit. • You may earn some money in advance. When you sell your work privately, you pay upfront fees to appraise the piece. These fees might cover the appraisal fee, shipping costs, insurance, and even taxes on the transaction. In exchange for these expenses, you’ll receive a portion of the eventual sale price. That means if you sell your artwork for $10,000, you’ll probably take home around $500-$600. If you’re planning to sell it through an auction house, however, you may only receive the minimum payout offered by the auctioneer. So instead of getting paid right away, you could end up waiting months before seeing any money. • You have a secure future. A professional appraisal ensures that you’re protected in case you ever need to file for bankruptcy. An art collector who buys your painting will likely want to hang it up on his wall or frame it and display it in his home. But if he loses the painting, he can’t just go out and find someone else’s copy. Instead, he’ll either have to buy a similar-looking painting or give up hope of finding it again. • You’ll receive maximum exposure. If you plan to sell your art through a gallery or auction house, they will handle everything. They’ll help promote your work to collectors, buyers, and potential clients, and they’ll ensure that the work sells quickly and brings in as much money as possible. On top of that, they’ll take care of the paperwork and offer advice to maximize your profits. • You minimize risk. If you decide to sell your artwork, you still run the risk of losing money on the deal. But unlike traditional business transactions where you’re buying a product and paying for it later, you’re buying the services of another person. If your customer doesn’t like what you do, he’s free to walk away without penalty. And if your customer wants to commission a different artist to create a replica, he can easily do so, rather than having to spend thousands of dollars on new materials.

Modern Art Market

The modern art market has been experiencing expansion throughout recent years. The art market has grown at a rate of over 10% per year since its inception in 1805. Art has always been a huge cultural influence on our society. Through art, we have become able to express ourselves emotionally and mentally. While modern art is no exception. In 2017, the market size of art was $57 billion and is expected to reach $200 billion by 2040.

Digitization Of Art

Art is becoming increasingly digitized. In today’s society, the use of computer-based tools has become an integral part of art creation. Artists are now able to produce realistic images at a speed never thought possible before. Digital art refers to works created by an artist or group of artists who use computers to alter existing photographs or images instead of traditional painting and drawing techniques. Art Market And Blockchain Technology

How Does A Blockchain Work?

A blockchain is essentially a public ledger that records transactions between two parties efficiently. Each block contains a timestamp, transaction details, and information regarding its previous block in chronological order. Blocks are linked together forming a chain called the blockchain. By storing data using cryptographic processes, a blockchain ensures that only the verified blocks are valid. Anyone who attempts to change previously entered data will automatically fail due to the extensive verification process. This makes the process secure and tamper-proof.

Why Is An Art Token Called ARToken?

ARToken aims to revolutionize the art industry with technology and bring transparency to the art world. With a decentralized global network, artists can easily reach out to potential buyers around the globe. ARToken also seeks to help protect intellectual property rights and give back to the artist community.

How Will ARToken Be Used And What Are Its Main Features?

ARToken is the first token designed specifically for the art industry. It is a utility token built on Ethereum’s ERC20 protocol. Users can use ARToken to purchase artwork, attend gallery openings, auction events, pay for services, access exclusive events, and participate in art market research projects.

ARToken’s main features include:

1. Global Network: ARToken connects people across borders and enables them to connect directly with each other and buy and sell globally.
2. Decentralized Marketplace: The ARToken platform uses a distributed marketplace model that removes middlemen and empowers sellers and buyers directly.
3. Transparency: ARToken provides real-time visibility into the entire supply chain and helps eliminate fraud.
4. Protection of IP Rights: ARToken promotes copyright laws and gives creators complete control over their digital works.
5. ARToken Rewards Program: Artists can use token reward points (ARPs) to earn free tokens, discounts, and special offers.

How Does ARToken Benefit Artists?

ARToken brings the art industry into the 21st century by combining traditional marketing methods with blockchain technology. One of the largest problems facing today’s art world is the lack of transparency and direct contact between artists and consumers. The ARToken team has assembled a diverse group of advisors including art experts from around the world. This has enabled ARToken to provide artists with the necessary tools they need to engage with new markets.

How Can You Purchase ARToken?

You need to create an account before making any purchases. Once logged in, click on ‘Buy ARToken’. There, you can select how much ARToken you would like to buy in ETH and BTC. If you prefer fiat currency, you must convert your cryptocurrency into USD at current exchange rates. You will then enter some basic personal information and make a payment. Your payment method will not be charged unless you choose to continue. After your payment has been processed, your ARToken balance will appear under ‘My Account’ in less than four hours.

Current Trends In Art Market

1. 1. The art market continues to show strong growth due to increased interest in contemporary pieces. New artists continue to emerge throughout the world and more galleries are opening to showcase their work. The number of total galleries worldwide grew from 4,000 in 1980 to 18,000 in 2015. As global economics improve, people have greater access to the market and this results in more demand for art.
   2. Demand for high-quality oil paintings continues to increase. In 2016, sales of oil paintings rose by 20% compared to 2015 according to the International Art Trade Association. Oil paintings are still popular among collectors and remain the largest type of artwork sold today.
   3. Contemporary art in particular continues to gain popularity and is becoming increasingly sought after. More galleries are specializing in contemporary art and many are opening specifically dedicated to showcasing this style. Many of these galleries offer exhibits focusing on certain artists, themes, and subjects.
   4. People around the world enjoy purchasing unique items that they cannot find anywhere else. One example is the demand for vintage clothing that reflects the individual’s personality and lifestyle. Vintage clothing is extremely trendy in both the United States and Europe.
   5. Demand for original works of art from emerging countries continues to rise, especially in China, India, and the Middle East. These markets are expanding rapidly and providing opportunities for local artists who wish to sell their work internationally.
   6. Demand for art created in various genres is increasing. Popular types of art include abstract paintings, landscapes, portraits, figures, and animals. Other popular forms include sculpture, photography, pottery, glassware, metalwork, jewelry, woodworking, stained glass, ceramics, textiles, fiber arts, and mixed media.
   7. Collectors seek out different styles of paintings based on mood rather than subject matter.
   8. Artists are increasingly turning to the Internet to reach potential buyers and promote their work. Online auctions serve as a great way to sell their work. Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Artsy allow artists to connect directly with customers and benefit financially from their creations.
   9. Gallery owners often use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to attract new and existing clients. Many online marketing companies specialize in helping galleries advertise their business online and generate leads.
   10. Demand for handcrafted products is increasing due to the widespread adoption of technology. Today’s consumers place more emphasis on the environment, sustainability, and ethical practices and want to buy products with positive impacts on our society. Handcrafted goods help encourage these values and drive economic growth.
   11. Traditional craftsmanship remains highly valued. Craftspeople use traditional tools that are produced locally, making them affordable and more desirable. Many artists use traditional materials including natural earth pigments, wood, stone, clay, metals, and silk.
   12. Demand for unique gifts continues to rise. From housewares to kitchen accessories, each year brings new trends in gift giving. Customers want to give something that represents themselves, shows how much thought they put into choosing a gift, and expresses their style.
   13. Fashion designers are incorporating recycled materials into new designs. The fashion industry is now focused on sustainability, and responsible sourcing. Many fashion brands and retail stores are working together to develop sustainable initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I find information about artwork prices?

You can find out at auction sites, online galleries, and antique stores. You can also use the Internet to search online auctions and eBay for recent sales.

Is there a way to estimate future price appreciation?

Many factors affect the market value of your artwork. These can range from how popular the artist was in his/her lifetime to whether or not the work has been shown publicly before. Also, a high-quality print can increase its price.

Who can help me appraise my items?

A qualified appraiser is your best bet. A highly experienced appraiser knows what makes a valuable item and will offer accurate feedback without being biased towards a particular outcome. Look into local organizations that specialize in valuing fine art or call a museum near you to learn about their services.

Can I set a specific value for my art?

No. While you can try to state what you believe the artwork is worth, you cannot guess what someone else might pay for it. An appraiser looks at the aesthetic qualities of the artwork to determine the highest possible price. Keep in mind that an artist’s vision and skill level have a huge influence on the final price.

Is there a way for me to guarantee my price?

Yes! Many sellers use insurance to protect themselves against loss.

Conclusion

The future of art is here. The blockchain is enabling a shift in how people purchase art, especially in a world dominated by legacy systems. While the current market appears to be full of barriers to entry, blockchain technology provides a promising solution. By implementing blockchain technology into the art market, we can remove many of the hurdles that hinder the industry today. As such, I believe that crypto arts will become a viable alternative to conventional art purchases.