Buying antique art is probably one of the most satisfying and rewarding hobbies nowadays. More and more people are excited by the idea of becoming art collectors and developing their own home collections, but, as always, not everything is cut and dried. One of the main questions that many beginners stumble across is, “What to collect?” In fact, the answer is not as simple and obvious as it seems. There are quite a few types of antique collectibles and valuables that you may consider as a profitable and beneficial investment.
It is no secret that antique art is the most popular and common option among newbies. Plus, collecting old and ancient things doesn’t sound like an insurmountable task at all. However, one should tread steadily and carefully if they want to achieve state-of-the-art results.
If you want to have a shot at buying and collecting antique art, you need to understand how to avoid pitfalls and mistakes on your way. Today, you have a luxurious opportunity to find out more about the rules of buying antique art. With them, your growth as a collector will be more balanced and, therefore, more effective and productive.
What is antique art?
For a start, let’s try to distinguish what is antique art and what is not. The definition – however exhaustive and narrow – may lead you astray. First of all, antique doesn’t mean old and ramshackle only. Not only age and condition make antiquities an appealing investment in the future but also their quality, rarity, and importance. Remember that old things can be either precious gems or things of naught. It is also worth mentioning that an art piece should be at least 100 years old to be called antique.
Where to start?
Before you start buying anything, do your homework. If you haven’t collected a thing in your life before, you have to learn the basics first. Don’t rely on the best friends’ advice unless your sidekicks have substantial experience in the field. Your geographical location is also vital, as it would be much more expensive to deliver antiques to secluded areas. When you have taken into account all the pros and cons and have firmly decided to give it a try, then it’s time for you to put your hand to the plow. To find out more, Check out digital art prints collection from PIA Gallery for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from their art & collectibles shops. Their portfolio’s often features expressive models surrounded by nature. Their digital art painting always brings beauty and bright into modern home décor.
5 things to consider when buying antique art
1. Setting a budget and defining your objectives
The price of antique items may vary a lot. Sometimes, you can find dirt-cheap artworks, but sometimes the cost goes up to thousands of dollars. That’s why you need to set an adequate and realistic budget. Based on it, you can specify your principal objectives. With a rigorous plan under your belt, you can progress more smoothly and stay attentive to changes around you. Experts don’t recommend setting goals ridiculously high because there is always a chance that your strategy fails. Try to be as cool-headed as it is only possible.
2. Turning to professionals
There is nothing wrong with asking for help. In practice, it can save you lots of time. With antique art experts on your side, you automatically get a myriad of advantages right from the start.
First and foremost, they can help you organize and manage your collection so that you spend your money wisely. Second, you gain invaluable experience working with specialists, which will stand you in good stead in the future. Last but not least, you will see how the process of buying antique art looks from within. If you want to know more about collection management and other crucial services, you can visit the online gallery Russian Icon or contact your local experts to get the answers to all your questions.
3. Places where you can buy antiques
Frankly speaking, there are lots of places where you can buy antiques. The more populated and bigger your city or town is, the more you can find. Let’s look at just some of the most popular options.
- Auction house. One can find some exclusive stuff at auctions, but they are more suitable for established collectors rather than beginners.
- Online shop. It is a pretty convenient way to buy antique art, especially now. You don’t need much. Just sign up and start buying.
- Flea market. A flea market is one of the most prevalent choices among newcomers. It is easy to reach and quite affordable. However, the authenticity of the items sold at flea markets is an issue giving rise to doubt.
- Specialist dealers. This option is perfect for both those who only start their collections and those who have been collecting art for years. The variety of items is usually impressive.
4. Personal feelings and design
As an antique art collector, you need to remember one essential rule: buy what you love. That’s the only way your collection can bring joy and happiness into your life. Antique art, be it a sculpture or painting, would be a pertinent addition to the interior design of your home. Hence, you not only buy art for personal pleasure but also transform your dwelling place into a treasure house.
5. Building relationships
At first glance, it seems that when people start buying art, they don’t need help. However, it’s not always the case. Your colleagues and partners can back you up if everything goes haywire. Moreover, it is a must to have a couple of reliable dealers on your contact list. They can greatly help you find the best pieces, considering your preferences and budget. At the same time, you need to be extremely cautious because there are always scammers and fraudsters hunting for easy prey. Trust your instincts and better ignore “too sweet offers.”
Starting is the hardest part
As one can see, there is nothing hugely complex about buying antique art. Everything that is required is to stay cautious and scrupulous. If you have doubts or difficulties, remember that there are always people who can help you find the right solution. Never hesitate to ask for help, and your path will be much easier. Hopefully, your antique art collection will be the catalyst of happiness and prosperity in the years to come!
