There has been a lot of discussion in the media, and especially in art and antiques magazines and newspapers, about art as an “investment.” Of course, with stock and bond and real estate markets in turmoil, this is a natural topic for dealers and collectors. This past month we have received lots of PR material from auctioneers and dealers stressing the investment value of art. This came in an email last week:
Sort of implies that art would have been a better investment than Wall Street…
At the gallery, our opinion has been and is that art is an aesthetic investment. What we surround ourselves with is an investment in making our lives and homes more satisfying and uplifting. Art as “investment” requires a time machine or a crystal ball. It’s better to buy what you love. And besides, who wants to hang stock certificates on the living room walls?