798 District Blog

Determining the probable price of a work of art was once based on precedent. Specialists must now rely on instinct. The result is often surprising.

Estimating how much a work of art is likely to fetch at auction has never been an easy game. These days it is becoming nearly impossible.

The fundamental problem is that as art supplies dwindle, so does the number of pictures or objects at recent sales that might offer a valid base of comparison.

Auction house specialists must increasingly rely on their personal instinct and that makes it easier for consignors to insist on ever-higher estimates — the perverse effect of rarity is that it can be invoked as an excuse to justify an extra hike. This past June in London, the result was a chaotic pattern at the Impressionist and modern art sales. In a market more bullish than ever, several works soared sky high, but many more only just made it and a few star lots actually dropped dead. There is always a point beyond which buyers, however easily impressed by the experts’ discourse, will stall, deciding that enough is enough, even in a market as consistently bullish as it is now.

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Chengdu is an important city in Chinese Contemporary Art, Which nurtured a lot of famous artists and critics, but the art collection is not so active comparing to Beijing and Shanghai. How to accelerate the development of the Chengdu art market and to increase the number of local collectors, is the question to be deal with.

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Gathered together under the prestigious dome of the Grand Palais from 15th until 22nd September 2010, 80 art dealers and 7 great jewellers will present to the public their most beautiful masterpieces.

Created in 1956 by the Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA), the Biennale trully made its debut in 1962, the year of the first International Biennale des Antiquaires. Today, presided over by Hervé Aaron, it gathers the most internationally renowned art dealers, all members of the SNA.

During this major event in the art market calendar that attracts collectors from around the world, visitors will discover more than 4000 square meters of stands with exceptional works of art spanning from archaeology to modern paintings.

With a visual identity made of vivid colours, a simplified floor plan, new exhibitors and displays where works of art take the leading role, the Biennale des Antiquaires celebrates its 25th edition with enthusiasm!

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