There are many art lovers, far more than the famous collectors who accumulate works worth hundreds of thousands of euros. Yet it’s a common misconception that you need to be a billionaire to be able to contemplate an original work by Chagall or Picasso every day in your living room. In fact, the art market offers a plethora of artistic productions to suit a wide range of tastes and price categories.
A keen eye on the art market
Having an artistic sensibility and a taste for art history is an invaluable anchor when looking to acquire a work of art. A well-informed connoisseur will find it easier to choose an historical period or an artist that is dear to him or her, which makes the task easier in a very rich artistic universe.
Nevertheless, it is also important to be aware of more pragmatic details about the art world in general. Acquiring a work of art is also a financial operation, which requires economic considerations. So, the art lover wishing to buy a piece needs to know about the state of the market: what are the recent fluctuations? Who are the most popular artists? Which sector is the most dynamic? This study of the art world is the key to becoming an informed buyer. Aside from the growing problem of forgery, having an idea of market prices helps you to avoid being swindled.
That’s why it’s a good idea to turn to the experts. In their field, they can certify the authenticity of the works on offer, and guarantee that the price is fair.
A wide choice
With its infinite choice, the art world has a very wide price range, from around 50 euros to several million euros. Original works by well-known artists are available at affordable prices (posters, lithographs, illustrated books). Acquiring an original lithograph or a print in general can be an interesting gateway to the collecting market, especially for lovers of the modern period.
In fact, the art market in its most important part is not made up of huge transactions carried out by multimillionaires. Most transactions are modest. In its Art World 2023 report, Art Price highlights the dynamism of the French market and emphasizes that it is made up of a manna of very
affordable works.
Whether the buyer is acting out of artistic passion or the desire to invest a little money in a pleasing object, it’s possible to acquire lithographs by the greatest modern artists, a sure bet, for a budget in the low range of the market. This is the vocation of prints, produced by artists to democratize their art,
to make it accessible to a larger number of enthusiasts.
Buying an art object: financial considerations
The purchase of a work of art is certainly costly, but it nonetheless brings a number of advantages that allow it to be considered an investment, or at least a financial one.
The value of a work of art is unlikely to fall suddenly. Although subject to variations, art market prices remain stable overall. By its very nature, it is much less sensitive to economic crises than the stock market or the real estate market, for example.
Thanks to the French government’s policy of promoting culture, spending capital on works of art offers tax advantages. Art assets are excluded from the real estate wealth tax. As far as sales are concerned, capital gains are taxed, but any sale for which the sale price does not exceed five thousand euros is not
taxable.
Investing in a work of art is a good way to diversify your assets. It’s a purchase that can combine both a taste for art and a monetary investment. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t expect to make a financial profit in just a few months by acquiring a work of art. Indeed, while prices don’t suddenly fall, they don’t suddenly rise.
Acquire a work of art, an intellectual and visual pleasure
Owning an art object is a gateway to the vast world of art. Today, the art market represents a kind of justice of the peace, settling aesthetic conflicts. The owner, by the gesture of his purchase, participates in a certain way in an artist’s renown. A famous artist is often an artist who sells.
Collecting can be seen as a form of patronage. Buying a work of art means supporting the work of emerging artists or the long-term future of established artists. Indeed, exhibiting a work at home contributes to the creator’s reputation. It can introduce them to a new audience, or reveal a lesser-known work. It’s also a significant source of financial support for the artist. For example, the collector André Level helped to make Pablo Picasso’s fortune, and before that, to lift him out of his precarious situation.
When you set out to buy a work of art, a visual and intellectual adventure begins. Visiting galleries, discovering hitherto unknown works and meeting experts are all enriching experiences for the potential buyer. For art lovers, it will only enhance their artistic knowledge and sharpen their
appreciative eye.
The acquisition of a work of art may be seen as a financial investment, but it is above all a daily pleasure. The work of art is tangible, in the sight of its owner, who cohabits with it.
Pablo Picasso, Femme accoudée, 1959,
Original two-color linocut on Arches paper, 75 x 61.8 cm.