Value of a Painting

The true value of a work of art is directly proportional to the needs, wants, and desires of the individual willing to pay for it. If a work of art sells for hundreds of millions of dollars at auction, it’s a shallow comment on its aesthetic, originality, or its authenticity as a great painting.

Any object can be traded for large sums of money; it’s invariably about its perceived value based on a compelling story. The story always ends up with the comment “its value will go up over time.” The only paintings that increase in value over time, is when the artist who creates them is long deceased. The inventory of an artist that is no longer around comes to a screeching halt. You know; supply and demand. Some very clever people concoct an aura around the paintings of a particular artist; to perpetuate and create the myth that if you’re wealthy enough you can be one of the privileged few that can collect these infamously overpriced works of art.

High-stakes art collecting is a game perpetuated by dealers and auction houses. The actual appreciation for the collected art is there, but it’s invariably about who’s got the biggest, ego driven, collection; made up of the most famous works of art. In reality; fortunately for most of us, the largest percentage of collectible paintings grace the walls of art museums. Where everyone can see and admire them in person. In many cases you can even…