The Art of Buying Art

How to Evaluate and Buy Art Like a Professional Collector

De: Alan Bamberger

Narrado por: Jonathan Yen

"The very best book on the subject ever published"—Bernard Ewell, Personal Property Journal (the trade publication of the American Society of Appraisers)

The art world can appear impenetrable to the beginner. This classic book, in print since 1990, is an invaluable primer that will help anyone to penetrate the thickets of inscrutable 'insider info' and esoteric jargon.

Updated for today's art market, including online buying, The Art of Buying Art is without a doubt the most accessible book on how to research, evaluate, price, and buy artworks—for anyone who wants to buy art. No previous knowledge of art or the art business is necessary. Topics include: how to research and evaluate art prices like the professionals; how to build a quality collection; how to spot fakes and forgeries; how to buy art at auctions and directly from artists; how to negotiate prices; and how to tell the difference between an original and a reproduction.

Bamberger provides the information needed to transform anyone into an informed art consumer, to protect collectors from bad buys, and to help them locate the best art at the correct prices.

©2007, 2018 Alan Bamberger (P)2024 Tantor

TOO long, not terribly helpful

If you’re looking for some grand insight into the art buying world, look elsewhere. There’s no groundbreaking advice here. If anything, it comes across as contradictory and condescending. In one chapter, we read that we’re NOT supposed to collect art as a financial investment, but to only buy art that you really like. Later, we’re advised to take financial values and future appreciation into account when choosing pieces, no matter how you like something.

What advice there is in this book could’ve been condensed to some bullet points, making it about half as long. Wasting my time telling me what you’re GOING to tell me, instead of just telling me what I need to know, is one of my biggest pet peeves; this book certainly tried to get as many of those in there as possible. (Should’ve hired a better editor who would be willing to help the author condense!)