Understanding the Art World

[This information comes from the ADAA website with their permission. You may read the entire unedited information on their website by clicking here.]

Understanding the Art World

There are CINOA affiliated dealers specializing in just about every field of fine art. In deciding which dealers to work with, it is useful to consider the following distinctions:

Primary-Market Dealers

Primary-market dealers represent the work of living artists. They work to identify new talent, regularly visit artists’ studios and develop close working relationships with those whom they champion, enhancing their careers and establishing the market for their work. Dealers serve as intermediaries among artists, curators, critics and collectors. Many CINOA affiliated dealers have played a fundamental role in cultivating the careers of most key postwar artists in the United States and Europe.

Secondary-Market Dealers

Secondary-market dealers handle work that is brought to the market for resale on behalf of collectors, institutions and estates. Often these dealers specialize in particular periods or artists, developing a considerable and unique fund of knowledge.

When dealing with artists who are no longer living, issues of authenticity, title, attribution and rarity are preeminent. Not only are experienced secondary-market dealers equipped to distinguish subtle gradations of quality and value, but their taste and expertise make them a vital resource for curators, scholars, auctioneers and art consultants, as well as collectors.

Many CINOA affiliated dealers are recognized worldwide as experts on the artists or periods in which they specialize. They regularly represent and manage the estates of important artists and compile or publish catalogues raisonnés.

Public and Private Dealers

Hundreds of gallery exhibitions are open to the public annually without charge, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to browse, learn and cultivate their taste.

Private dealers operate on an appointment-only basis and are not usually geared to working with the walk-in public; often they will cater to the individual needs of a select group of private clients.

Both private and public dealers share a serious commitment to their areas of expertise and are available to advise on everything from the acquisition of a single work to the formation or sale of an entire collection.

Art Consultants

The exponential growth of the art world has led to a surge in the number of art consultants, who serve as legs and eyes for collectors too busy to make the rounds themselves. Many well-established consultants bring to their task years of experience, taste and knowledge. However, not all consultants are equally qualified, and before engaging one, you should check his or her references. Many CINOA affiliated dealers work regularly with art consultants, as well as themselves serving as advisors to their clients. When checking a potential consultant’s references, it is therefore prudent to get a CINOA affiliated dealer’s opinion and/or that of a museum professional.