by:
Frank, Jeanne

Publisher:
Thunder's Mouth Press
Published:May 1, 1997
ISBN:1560251212
Format:Paperback
Pages:179

Description: Amazon.com
Without question, collecting modern art is an intimidating prospect, especially for the novice. This sensible and informative book is the essential guide for anyone who loves art and would like to approach the business of collecting, but who lacks the first-hand experience necessary to begin. The author, a private dealer of 20th-century art for the past 30 years, covers both figurative and abstract modern art movements, from Impressionism to Social Realism. She discusses provenance, authenticity, and fakes, as well as how to care for and frame your new purchases. She provides information on practical issues such as investment and appraisal; she also details the differences between the European and American markets--debunking many myths of the art world in the process. She explores the workings of commercial galleries, private dealers, and auction houses all to help the beginning collector get his or her feet wet.

From Library Journal
A private dealer who got her start as a clerk at a department store gallery in the 1960s, Frank sets out to bring knowledge and confidence to novices who might be interested in modern art but feel shut out by the "mystique" of the art world. Her convivial tone and offhanded dismissals of gallerists and critics may go far in developing readers' self-assurance, but, unfortunately, her casual way with the facts of her business call the work as a whole into question. Artists' names are misspelled, art historical terms are confused, and her own pronouncements on the art world sometimes sound as autocratic as those she criticizes. (Bibliography not seen.) By contrast, Vartian, a lawyer for galleries and collectors, has written a useful if sober guide to the legalities of collecting art and popular items such as stamps and coins. His text will not inspire any reader actually to enter the world of collecting; indeed his anecdotes of theft, fraud, and miscommunication may scare some away. But anyone who has bought even one work and suddenly realizes the need to learn the basics will welcome his clear explanations. Offering just the right amount of detail, he discusses the various tax advantages of being an investor rather than a collector and what to consider when choosing between reserves and guaranties if consigning at auction. Frank's book cannot be recommended in its current form; Vartarian's work will serve flea-market mavens and art connoisseurs alike in almost all public library collections.?Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.