Skip to content

5 Tips to Guide You When Buying Fine Art for Sale

Buying your fine art is a labor of love, given the sentimental value of an artwork. Knowing the qualities to look for when buying fine art for sale will help you land the most exquisite and valuable artwork to add to your collection. Not all artwork is created the same, and some pieces of art will command more value than others. These tips will help you when buying fine art for sale.

1. Consider the History and Literature of the Artwork

Every piece of artwork has a unique history, especially if the piece has been in the market for long. You should consider the history of the artwork that documents the chain of ownership and any literature supporting its authenticity. Ideally, you should research the history of the artwork, all the way to the point when the original artist first sold it.

The artist’s catalog raisonnĂ© is a great reference to learn more about the piece of fine art for sale that you want to purchase. The provenance and history of the artwork will give you a clear picture of why the piece is valuable and why it deserves a place in your collection. As a collector, you should have some facts about all the artwork in your fine art collection.

2. The Reputation of the Artist

Artwork from the legendary artists like Vincent Van Gogh is a gem that every art collector wants to add to their collection. The reputation of a famous artist may also be attributed to other achievements outside the art industry that earned the artist glory and international acclaim. Most of the artwork from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci is rare and expensive. For instance, only 20 paintings of Leonardo da Vinci are available today, and this makes them remarkably valuable. The reputation of the artist will have a profound effect on the value of fine art for sale.

3. Limited Edition Artwork

You wouldn’t pass the opportunity to get your hands on a limited edition artwork, especially if the edition or previous works from the same artist have received global recognition. Artists usually limit the number of paintings in an edition to preserve the quality and boost the value of the edition. As such, when selecting fine art for sale, consider if the artwork is part of a limited edition.

4. The Condition of the Artwork

To produce the best quality of fine artwork, artists use rare material and expert techniques that are hard to replicate. In some instances, artists may destroy the materials used to create fine art, to keep their work original and one-of-a-kind. Of all the different types of artwork found in art collections around the world, paintings account for 83%, while collages, drawings, and works on paper accounting for 15%.

You should select the pieces of artwork that are in good and original conditions. However, some paintings may have art conservation. If the restoration is expertly done, the artwork may still retain its value. Because of the precision used to create fine art, a damaged piece of fine art for sale will have lost most of its value.

5. Personal Connection to the Artwork

Some pieces of artwork speak to our hearts, especially if they depict our personal experiences, way of life, values, and culture. If you have a personal connection to a piece of fine art for sale, then it’s worth adding to your collection, regardless of the market value. Art is a way of expressing your values, feelings, and your view of the world. While art collectors consider the market value of artwork before purchasing, the sentimental value largely influences their choices.

Ultimately, you want to buy fine art for sale that will add value to your fine art collection. It’s always an excellent idea to have a certified fine art appraiser inspect the artwork before purchasing. Art appraisers will help you value your art collection and document it in an appraisal report.