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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[robertschlesinger]

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.

[brendonwalker]

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.

[midoann]

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

[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.

[ericswain]

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.

[dyslexocortext]

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

[wllm]

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

[starjeweller]

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

[lucasmeunier]

Can i have the name of this four music please ?

[sarahclemons]

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

[lukestevenson]

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.

[dejanmarkovic]

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

[navajoauckland]

Unfortunately most if not all artist raisonne are approximated ..

[marshadowns]

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

[gentlemandude]

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?

[geoffklem]

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

[hamidhamid-pvnn]

I have two pieces chinese ceramics bowls

[johnobrien]

Is what someone will pay for it in auction

[JOSEPHCHARLESCOLIN]

every video is one of my works made live

[MikeMrASR]

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