Vintage art has been popular among collectors for decades, but more recently it has become a highly collectible category in itself. A vintage piece is not just a valued possession; it’s also an investment.
That’s because the value of vintage pieces tends to appreciate over time. In contrast, the value of modern art is much more volatile.
Part of that appreciation comes from the mere passage of time. If a painting by Jasper Johns or Andy Warhol from 1961 is worth a million dollars today, that means it probably appreciated in value by a million dollars over the last fifty-two years. This happens because there are so few vintage pieces available (because most have already been sold), and because the art market is very competitive—which means that buyers are willing to pay higher prices when they do find what they like.
In contrast, if you buy a piece of contemporary art for $100,000 and then try to resell it ten years later, it may well be worth only $50,000—even though during those ten years the artist’s reputation may have increased so much that her work now fetches millions at auction. There are lots of contemporary pieces available, and not all are equally good; so neither purchasers nor sellers can be sure how much any
No matter what style you prefer, vintage art pieces are a great way to create a room that stands out. With the right styling, your vintage art pieces can become a centerpiece in any home or office.
I love the idea of adding elegance to my home with one-of-a-kind pieces that can never be replaced. A beautifully framed piece of art is an affordable luxury that will always be appreciated.”
It’s always exciting to learn that a new artist, musician or writer you admire is also a vintage lover. As a veteran dealer and collector, I’ve witnessed the phenomenon over the years and have learned that it is definitely not just a case of me liking the same things as my clients.
However, it is rare for an appreciator of fine art, who has no intention of selling or trading any pieces, to admit to being on a budget. Although we are all strapped for cash in these challenging economic times, we may still be able to find a way to add new pieces to our collections. The key is learning to shop smartly.
The first step in creating your own collection of vintage art is familiarizing yourself with your local dealers and auction houses. The Internet has made this process much easier by providing instant access to auction catalogues and price lists, but nothing beats meeting the people face-to-face. Most dealers now have websites where they include their expertise in everything from general art history to the esoteric categories such as French “enfants terribles” (literally translated as “terrible children”), African tribal masks and antique Asian works of art.
Keep in mind that not all dealers deal exclusively in vintage works of art; some are specialists who focus
Vintage art refers to pieces created prior to the mid-twentieth century. These pieces are often collected by someone who is not a professional but is instead a fan of the artist or the art movement. These types of pieces have become very valuable and can be a great investment because they are seen to be appreciating in value, while at the same time, are not as expensive as an original from the same period.
Tiffany lamps and lacquered furniture were common during this time period in history. Most people associate these things with the Victorian era, but in fact many of them were created even earlier than that.
Vintage pieces are still being made today, with new artists creating reproductions of older styles. Most collectors do not collect these styles however, but look for original pieces created before World War II.
Vintage art is a great investment. You can recoup your investment many times over and the pieces are classic enough to retain their value.
Original art from the past has proven to be a good investment for collectors. They tend to hold their value over time, rise in value if well-cared for, and appreciate in price when sold at auction.
Original art from the past has proven to be a good investment for collectors. They tend to hold their value over time, rise in value if well-cared for, and appreciate in price when sold at auction.
Artwork has always played an important role in human culture. Paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs have enhanced our lives since we first began creating them. The best artwork appeals not only to our minds but also to our emotions and senses. Art is made by the artist using whatever materials they consider the best available at the time of its creation. In some cases today these may be very different from what was used in its original creation. But great art stands on its own and no matter what changes have been made over time it is still a valuable addition to any collection.*
Despite the recent art market crash, vintage art still offers an opportunity for savvy collectors.
Ironically, this is a good time to catch up on these works of art. As the economy goes through its current fiscal woes, many people are looking to cut back on expenditures. Art collecting may not be the first thing to go, but it’s usually among the first things considered.
The key to successful vintage art collecting is to know your market. Obviously, you should begin with a thorough knowledge of your own tastes, and then move on to a broader knowledge of what other people like. Your ability to find and purchase art at bargain prices depends on your ability to determine which pieces will appreciate in value and which will not.
A few tips:
* Vintage works of art should always be authentic and recognized as such by reputable experts in the field.* Do not buy paintings that have been cut from their original frames.* Always inspect paintings for signs of restoration, such as missing brush strokes or inconsistent paint colors.”
A piece of art that is considered a classic today wasn’t always a classic. To become a classic, it has to survive the test of time.
This means collecting vintage art is a good investment. A painting that becomes a classic will appreciate in value over time. And you can enjoy it while you’re waiting for its value to go up.
But what makes some artwork last and others go out of style? There are no easy answers to this question, but there are ways to help your chances of getting something that will be considered a classic in the future.
