Buy and sell
More than an investment, it is an emotion
The emotion
For us, buying and selling paintings is a passion, more than it is work. The commercial value hardly compares to the excitement we feel for the study itself, of an artwork; so much so that, we have lately considered studying artworks that are not for sale, that perhaps belong to a private collection, but which would allow us to enjoy the process of studying it, without the hard feelings of seeing the owner parting with it, or the disappointment of seeing it end up with a buyer who fails to properly appreciate it. We do however rely on assistance for such investments, as studying an ancient painting carries a certain cost, which we are not always in a position to cover. We trade in paintings because we live off this, but it breaks our heart to part with a painting we have taking the time to study. If we had a choice, we would never sell any painting, because for us, paintings are like children. They are like living creatures of the past; their special technique, vibrant brushstrokes and chromaticism, all give clues as to their author and origin.
Each painting is a display, it reflects time gone by, it tells the story of the past, filled with moments and emotions. Each painting contains codes, symbols, acronyms, techniques, which make it unique and fascinating. It is not just an investment as they want to make us believe. A painting documents history, which it conveys to us as a splendid tale. When taking the time to admire it for more than a few minutes, it transports us into a dream dimension.
A small challenge
Try it out! Take a look at the paintings displayed on our site. Choose the one you like best. Then read what it represents. Check the name of the artist. You will either find a brief reference of the painting on our site, or you can make a quick search on internet. In reading about the painting or about the artist, you will find that the painting who have chosen reflects a lot about you; your way of thinking or seeing things. The paintings we are attracted to, mirror our soul.
An investment
Any investment made in a work of art, must above all be fuelled by our own personal feelings towards that particular artwork or artist or depiction. We often hear of purchases made in the past, be it of ancient, modern or contemporary artwork that, despite their high price at the time of purchase, end up losing their initial financial value, or there may no longer be a market for them. It is therefore vital that an artwork we purchase touches us personally. After all, we will be the ones looking at it daily, and if it does not provoke positive emotions in us, we will soon tire of it and regret acquiring it, no matter the price that paid. We may begin to resent the seller, feeling that we have been cheated; be it a gallery or auction house; not to mention that we can’t return to an auction house, but would have to get it re-auctioned.
Which artworks retain their value?
Antique artworks (we do not express ourselves on modern or contemporary artwork), may retain a high commercial value, and continue to be profitable today for a number of different reasons. They may have originally been purchased by a renowned gallery owner, who had declared the artwork as belonging to a specific artist, and this statement was confirmed by art critics of the time. They may have been purchased at auction houses with appraisals carried out and confirmed by the auction house’s experts. They may appear in the artist’s published monographs. Or else, their historic provenance is so impeccably recorded that it is impossible not to confirm the identity of the artist. Sometimes the mere provenance from a renowned gallery or auction house renders an artwork more interesting than others. We thus advice that you do not accept any appraisal, receipt, expert declaration as granted… but be sure to make a purchase based on well-founded criteria
