Art Collector

How to Purchase a Giclée Fine Art Print By Nancy Bryant Beautifully decorated homes are not complete until there is art on the walls. In the past, homeowners had just a few options. One could purchase original works of art, often at very high prices. For some this was an investment and for others it was for the satisfaction of having something of beauty in their homes. The alternative was to buy a reproduction or art print. The cost of a print was usually considerably less than an original work but the quality and appearance of the print just did not look like "real art". Beginning in the early 1990's new technology created a third alternative. … Continue reading… 2 comments

Once again, I would like to talk about an entirely different kind of patron: an Institution as patron of architects. Yale University is not alone its its enlightened approach to patronage, but it may be the first and most influential. Beginning in the 1950's, if not before, Yale made a conscious decision to take advantage of its unique position as an initiator of major architectural projects to further the careers of the best, but not best known, architects of the period. The first and arguably most significant of these choices was to hire Louis Kahn to design its new gallery and visual arts building. Completed in 1953, this was the first major commission for an extroardinary architect whose ideas had heretofore been known primarily through his writing and teaching… Continue reading… 1 comment

In England at the end of the 18th century, a new kind of patronage emerged which was to have an enormous effect on the careers of artists lucky enough to fall under its favor. This was the practice of English gentlemen, taking the grand tour to the mediterranean, to bring along with them an artist to document their trip, much as today we might bring a camera. In some cases, if the gentleman had a passion for antiquity, the trip would feature Greek and Roman sites; from such expeditions we have exquisite detailed drawings of temples and sculpture. In other cases, where the patron had a romantic passion for landscape, there would be a detour into the Alps and a concentration on the scenic beauties of the Italian landscape. William Beckwith was of the latter frame of mind… Continue reading… 0 comments

Art: the Unique Holiday Gift Whether you are looking for a unique gift for a grab bag or trying to buy something for the person who has everything, think about giving art for the holidays. Art comes in all shapes and sizes, all mediums, a variety of colors and price ranges. You also won't have to worry about someone duplicating your gift. Art galleries, museum gift shops, and open studios are all great places to find unusual gifts in your area. There are many different ways that you can buy art for friends and family. First, you can purchase an original work of art directly from an artist at an art show or open studio. Second, you can buy an "art experience" by purchasing tickets to a concert, play, museum exhibition opening or dance performance… Continue reading… 0 comments

Isabella Stuart Gardner, one of the foremost collectors of art of her period at the end of the 19th century, was not primarily a patron of contemporary artists. She did purchase the work of living artists, including her portrait by John Singer Sargent, but her collecting focused primarily on artists of the European Renaissance. She was, however, a patron of another kind. She was a patron of the Renaissance specialist and connoisseur, Bernard Berenson, supporting him in his travels in Europe in search of art, and buying almost seventy works through his efforts. Isabella was born in New York city, but, in marrying John Lowell "Jack" Gardner, married into one of the oldest Boston families. Jack's grandfather was the Salem shipping tycoon, Joseph Peabody… Continue reading… 2 comments

According to renowned collector Ben Heller, art collecting should be done for the love of art and not for financial success. Heller, who bought his first Jackson Pollock over 50 years ago directly from the artist before he became well-known, was applauded for this statement by a distinguished panel of collectors, gallerists, art consultants, and museum curators who joined him to discuss the ins and outs of collecting for the beginner at the MASSM oCA museum on October 20th.… Continue reading… 3 comments

I recently curated a contemporary art exhibition. It is interesting to witness the different reactions people have to art which was created during this time period. I have over heard many conversations in the galleries as museum visitors grapple with what they are viewing. Some comments have included, "It's too abstract for me," "It is colorful," "It's weird," "It is certainly unconventional," "I don't understand it," "My four-year-old could do that!" (Often children feel freer to express themselves) and finally, "Why is this considered art?" Contemporary art can be defined as art that has been recently created. It is sometimes more adventurous and "cutting edge" than work made by traditional artists… Continue reading… 1 comment

The role and influence of artists patronage through history is a fascinating subject, and one which may have lessons for the artists and patrons of today. In the following article I will be looking at the impact of the great Renaissance Pope, Julius II, on the artists of his time, an influence which clearly was a mixed blessing, particularly for Michelangelo. The Renaissance in Italy was the period in which the primary role of the church as patronage for the arts was challenged by the rising influence of the nobility. It seems at first that Pope Julius II would represent a continuation of the influence of the church in art patronage, and on one level this is true… Continue reading… 0 comments