The Value of Art | Episode 1: Authenticity

“Authenticity is the soul of the object,” says Chinese works of art expert Nicolas Chow, adding “Anything that is worth something is worth being faked.” In Episode 1, see how Chow and other Sotheby’s specialists identify the true originals. Sometimes consulting an artist’s catalogue raisonné is enough to affirm authenticity, but other pieces require sleuthing for clues that only a seasoned expert would think to sniff out - sometimes quite literally. Specialists in this episode: Nate Borgelt, Nicolas Chow, Frances Christie, Julian Dawes, Frank Everett, Selby Kiffer, Meredith Kirk, Courtney Kremers, Connor Kriegel, Mee-Seen Loong, Michael Macaulay, Yamini Mehta, Jonquil O’Reilly and Edoardo Roberti.
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[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.

[@brendonwalker7728]

My best friend was a brilliant painter, the most sophisticated colorist I know. He was dying of cancer and didn't know it. He was married to the daughter of a very well known American Expressionist painter who died decades ago. My friend became aware of his condition and the family had to move 250 miles to where he could get treated. They left their home unlocked, and asked me to go there and retrieve some items, among them his wife's last and only painting by her father, as well as some of her and her husband's artwork. When I arrived at their former residence, someone had ransacked their belongings like a tornado went through the house. Face down on the floor, WITH FOOTPRINTS ALL OVER THE BACK SIDE OF IT, was her only painting by her father. I found all the items on my list. My friend died and I haven't spoken to his widow for several years. I still have the painting, although it isn't actually mine.

[@ericswain4177]

Well, you should complete the task given to you, as for the painting give it back in the condition it was found or have it restored then return it.

[@ericswain4177]

While all these things are very important and necessary it's not always the case or standard that is practiced by the industry. The best way to protect yourself and your artwork or possible future purchases is "GET EDUCATED" on all points that are relevant to your art and collection and know the backgrounds of all the people involved with the art you are engaged with, artists, brokers, authenticators, auction houses, appraisers, galleries, historians, banks, charities, other collectors, Etc... The higher the echelon one is in that art market the more likely there are fakes, forgeries, and unscrupulous people in that field or industry. The problem often with the very complicated high-end market and industry is that the more complicated it is the easier to have and create deceit and illusion to fool. The more one is aware and educated of the field and game one is playing the less likely one is to become the unwitting undesirable effect of it. Look beyond and under the squeaky clean surface that's promoted and presented, you may be horrified at what you see and find. Always get more than one opinion, appraisal, etc... when dealing with the high-end art market, have nondisclosure agreements guarantees, insurance, etc... always remember all involved are there in the business of making money in the end. Due diligence is the watchword.

[@flavius_pisapia_sculpture]

The essential elements in a piece of art are: life, soul and personality. If the artist works with future impulses then original works are possible. These kind of works will last into the future because they are inspired by future ideas, feelings and actions.

[@leststoner]

what i do

[@midoann]

Bravo! Interesting first episode. Leave us wanting to know more. Thanks

[@coreychandler6449]

instaBlaster

[@lukestevenson6465]

But what if you create something pretty unique, and you have no comparisons to refer to, does the audience decide the value. I sculpted a Medusa out of malachite, over 30 faceted stones, nearly Finnished, and I just don't have a clue how to price it. I just can't find anything like it on the market, I find it very difficult even to find decent malachite carvings, is there somewhere I can look? Like a pointer of the way would be much appreciated.

[@ericswain4177]

There are many youtube videos that can assist you in how to price art, it's not just the artwork itself that one needs to consider. Are you an established artist/sculptor, how long, is this Medusa out of malachite art even desirable due to it being too unique ? how big is it ? Do you have an artist bio ? are there other artworks you have done etc... do you have accolades or gallery showings under your belt? these all add to the artist's value of the artwork in the market. Many talented artists in the beginning but not all struggle with the price of their art till established in the marketplace and often can't sell their artwork for the time and material the artist has invested in it. The "BIGGEST" ! factor in the price of art often isn't quality or effort - it's "BRANDING"!! Branding yourself is probably the single most important thing one can do to monetize ! this is just my opinion based on collecting and researching over 20 years and not a substitute for professionals in the art field. Good Luck. Feel free to ask questions.

[@lukestevenson6465]

@@ericswain4177 thanks Eric I will take what you said Into consideration, I appreciate your insight. I created this piece on the basis of what I believe to be desirable, because I'm not an established artist. For this reason unfortunately I can't rely on accolade or reputation, my work must speak for its self, so I have to base the price on a practical premise, i.e. such as price of materials and hourly rate. I think is what your saying. And I agree.

[@starjeweller]

&international credibility/awards for own visionary ideas of the artists creating highest prices.

[@dyslexocortext1658]

Where is the episode on beauty, inspiration, the profound?

[@wllm4785]

They'll do those right after they do the one on money.

[@marshadowns8539]

I have two sketches signed by Edith Head , funny face and Sabrina… “Audrey Hepburn” is wearing Edith Heads designer gowns… need some help with authenticity Looks valuable to my eyes

[@gentlemandude1]

This seems a little bit disingenuous considering that both Sotheby's and Christie's have both sold objects that were known to be fakes in order to make a profit. Caveat emptor: An auction house is a business like any other--it must make profits for owners and shareholders. If Wall Street brokers can commit frauds in the name of profit, why shouldn't auctioneers as well?

[@wllm4785]

Not to mention STOLEN GOODS.

[@ellenexmadden]

The moral ground for such a sale depends on the seller being out front about what is known; to buy a fake is not implausible when to have one is simply better than not having one.

[@ellenexmadden]

Anyone can paint "Sunflowers", even though one is very much more prized than most others. Market demand dictates cost, perhaps a copy can, in fact fill the desire for sunflowers and one would rather have the copy than none at all. The key to morallity in this matter lays in the shared truth of authenticity. My daughters copys are my faves.

[@wllm4785]

This is how we determine the value of art: How much can we mark it up? Check.

[@lepetitchat123]

Greed is the only criteria. Art should be for everyone, not just billionaires

[@hamidhamid-pv9nn]

I have two pieces chinese ceramics bowls

[@lucasmeunier2888]

Can i have the name of this four music please ?

[@navajoauckland6003]

Unfortunately most if not all artist raisonne are approximated ..

[@sarahclemons9191]

The soul of the object. They come with thought intention feeling . The spirit of the artist. How does this reach out and touch you?

[@johnobrien8398]

Is what someone will pay for it in auction

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋찝니다~~~

[@geoffklem2339]

Can i bring my painting to nearest location to be valued in san diego

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋집니다~~~~

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

좋아요~~~

[@TheThomasGallery]

Wonderful!!!

[@farruxbek_002]

I have antiques!

[@farruxbek_002]

How can I contact the auction house?

[@dejanmarkovic3040]

NO, JFC, I didn't mean monetary value when I typed the value of art...ah, ffs...

[@chayagruber9246]

Amazing SOTHEBY'S -

[@joepossejlg3162]

how come i cant auction my art baised on that it never was sold in a gallery or owned by someone rich lol hilarious i hope for the best

[@ericswain4177]

Did someone say you can't or they won't.? I say Go for it !

[@Nil.C.G]

💕

[@MikeMrASR]

So if i have a Picasso, and is not in the catalogue it might be fake?

[@DanielSann]

Not might, it's probably fake.

[@ericswain4177]

it's all about provenance.

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋찝니다~^^

[@henrycastle1]

❤️

[@JOSEPHCHARLESCOLIN2024]

every video is one of my works made live

[@user-nz4yd3iu4t]

멋쪄요~^^

[@PumpkinCandleGetLit]

JUST BUY A REPLICA

[@covatannguyen8480]

👋👋👋

[@MrManny075]

These guys sold fakes for years and maybe still doing it if they can get away with it.

[@ericswain4177]

Yes, this has sadly been part of the art market for many years up to the present. Thankfully most of that is at the top-end of the art market.

[@DJSTOEK]

😷🕺

[@sopofony]

this suyxx

[@user-gu1gn6kl7g]

If you're soooo great then why don't you sell art supplies?

[@ericswain4177]

LOL !

[@e4t662]

Provenance in other words.

[@srl1187]

Provenance refers to the chain of ownership of an artwork, i.e., to the buyer(s); while, authenticity refers to the wellspring of creation, i.e., to the artist(s).

[@PumpkinCandleGetLit]

LOL

[@frankwood362]

Comon people - its just sharks talking - they dont give a shit about anything - just money.

[@muhammadowais3314]

Why you promote the artist who are dead hundreds of years ago they do not need money promote the young artist and not those who do abstract work or What we call modern art.support the real art the ones who paint amazingly realistic and beautiful pieces#SUPPORTNEWARTIST #DEADPEOPLEDONOTNEEDMONEY

[@jose31link]

Owais Abbas Painting "amazingly realistic" does not make your art better... if you can achieve a complex tecnic that would make your paintings look like high-resolution pictures then why you do not take a photograph instead? Art it's about seeing what others can't seej

[@muhammadowais3314]

well you are just jealous of them who paint realistically .Why abstract art is amazing well any body can do that.Art is a skill it is a thing which most can not do.if you think you are good artist than paint realistic picture but one who can paint realistically can easily paint abstract painting and other sort of Picasso style paintings or any other style

[@MACTRUQUE]

Creating art for money is not the purpose of valuable art. It should transcend and define money, not the other way around. Without giving living artists a desire to achieve greatness, beyond our mortal framework, truly prolific and notable lifetimes of work in specific disciplines would wane.

[@marquamfurniture]

@@muhammadowais3314 "...You are just jealous of [those] who paint realistically." .... Hardly makes a persuasive case for realism.

[@muhammadowais3314]

@@marquamfurniture man I am not jealous of those who paint realistically I support them I THINK thats the real art.read my comment again.

[@sopofony]

this suyxx