A Little Glass Pitcher with a lot of Class
F from Santa Barbara once owned a large collection of art glass, now mostly sold. But he saved a little glass pitcher with “Gladys” written on it in enamel pant. …
The WHY Behind Delaroche’s Napoleon Painting
JS owns a painting on porcelain of Napoleon I, Emperor of the French (1769-1821), not painted in the way we usually picture the Emperor. Here we see a sad little …
Checklist: How I LOOK at and JUDGE a Work of Art
I own a household of ‘orphan’ works of art untracible to an artist. I judged them to be very fine pieces. This checklist gives you six steps to understand the …
Why I Purchased This Orphan Painting
I received an overwhelming response to my article “How to Judge a Thrift Store Painting.” One reader asked if I owned an ‘orphan’ painting in my home. She wants me …
Am I a Hoarder or a Collector?
GM asked me to write about her deepest fear as an avid collector. She asked, “Am I a Hoarder? Or just a collector? Or maybe a hoarder in collector’s clothing?” …
Faded Heart Drapo Vodou
JF sent me a photo of an intricately beaded and sequined banner (Drapo Vodou) on silky fabric that pictures a faded red heart with blue accents to the center. He …
English “Brown” Furniture Suffering
Today we witness the decline of the value of traditional English furniture and decorations, once beloved by members of the Western world’s “upper class” until the late 20th century. I …
How to Determine What’s Valuable Antique Furniture
Your family holiday greeting card might bear a photo of your family on your antique sofa, in a room filled with antique furniture. Or maybe a photo of your beloved …
Suggestions to Artists from an Appraiser
What do artists, who have yet to sell, do? Not only do the artists have no market information, they can’t sell unless they know the price point at which they …
How to Look at a Thrift Store Painting
RT sent me a photo of a painting she might buy from a local thrift store. She asked how I LOOK at and JUDGE unsigned works of art. I own …