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Does Art Have to Be Expansive Yet Impressive?

May 19, 2023 by Susan Paige

Image source: Pexels.

Have you ever wondered why some works of art are priced much higher than other, seemingly similar artworks, often even created by the same artist? What makes one work of art more valuable than another, and is a piece with a heftier price tag really more impressive?

 In the art world, the concept of value is somewhat of a controversial, ever-disputed topic. This is because a work of art may not have an intrinsic, objective worth (aside from the manufacturing costs) but almost always has a subjective or emotional value.

 A prevailing notion seems to suggest that the monetary value of a work of art is equal to its intrinsic value. In other words, the pricier the piece, the more impressive it is. But is this really so? 

For example, is Marcel Broodthaers’ Mussels White Sauce, sold for $385,000, more impressive than any random oil painting or sculpture you can buy at Singulart for a few hundred or thousands of dollars?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the value of art, why certain art pieces command high prices, and who decides their value.

The Value of Art

Let’s start by acknowledging the fact that the value of art is a complex concept that extends way beyond its monetary worth. Sure, financial value plays a role in the art market, but art’s true or intrinsic value lies in its ability to evoke emotions (not always positive), challenge perspectives, and inspire dialogue.

But all this still doesn’t explain why the prices of artworks vary so widely. Why are some works of art expensive to the point of obscenity while others, seemingly similar pieces, are priced much lower? Here are some of the factors that influence the value of artworks.

Artist Recognition

It should come as no surprise that established artists with renowned reputations tend to command much higher prices for their work. Years of experience and critical acclaim can greatly contribute to the artist’s perceived value.

Scarcity of Work

Scarcity or rarity of work is another key criterion influencing its price. It’s the basic principle of supply and demand – the rarer an artist’s works are, the more desirable they are and, therefore, more expensive.

Historical Significance

Artworks that carry cultural or historical significance can hold immense value. Older works or those created during pivotal movements or historical events often command higher prices.

Medium and Technique

Two other factors that can influence the price of a work of art are medium and technique. Artworks created using complex or time-consuming techniques, as well as large-scale sculptures, often require significant skill, effort, and resources. All this contributes to higher production costs and, consequently, higher prices.

Art Market Influences

And then we have the market itself – consisting of and influenced by collectors, investors, auction houses, and galleries – affecting an artwork’s price. There are two separate markets here: the primary market and the secondary market. The former refers to the first sale of an artwork through a gallery or the artist’s studio. During this phase, various market trends and hype around specific artists or movements can significantly inflate prices for certain artists.

Secondary Market Sales

The secondary market refers to reselling of artworks, typically those by artists with substantial reputations. Here, factors such as the previous sale price, the artist’s current market demand, and the perceived investment potential can influence the resale value. 

Some works of art can also significantly appreciate in value over time, especially if the artist’s career has progressed or their importance in art history has been further recognized.

Expensive Does Not Equal Impressive

So, when all is said and done, are expensive works of art really more impressive and valuable? No.

One of the beautiful aspects of art is its emotional value – or value that lies beyond its monetary worth. Not to mention, even the monetary value of an artwork is subjective and influenced by so many different factors, many of which have little to do with an artist’s talent.

The value and impressiveness of art are, therefore, quite subjective, influenced by art’s emotional impact on the viewer/consumer, what sensations it provokes, what opinions it challenges, and how culturally important it is at the moment.

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