Switzerland boasts exceptional auction houses filled with undeniable treasures. Nevertheless, the challenge I frequently face is securing shipping to the USA at a reasonable price. For instance, I recently acquired 6 vases, one measuring 5 inches in height, while the other five are each under 3 inches. Their total weight is less than 1.5 pounds. The overall value amounts to $1000. The most affordable shipping rate I was quoted was $719, which includes full insurance coverage. Had this purchase been made elsewhere in Europe or in the United Kingdom, the shipping cost would have been under $250 with full insurance coverage. I am uncertain as to why the shipping expenses are so high, but combined with the recent tariff adjustments in the USA—where tariffs are calculated not only on the value of the items purchased but also on the shipping costs—it becomes impractical to make purchases in Switzerland unless the item is rare and absolutely essential.
Tips For Acquiring Art From France
Understanding a few key French phrases is paramount to bidding on and purchasing paintings from France. Here are a few terms that auction houses may provide to guide a potential bidder.
“Très léger cheveu au col” is a tight hairline crack or fracture at the neck of the vase.
“Trous de vers dans le panneau” indicates that the wood panel has an insect infestation. When I received a Monticelli painting I asked a conservator to clean the painting. She recognized the signs of the infestation (which the auction house had not disclosed). The conservator was hesitant to treat the infestation because the treatment could further damage the painting. Ultimately I returned the painting to the auction house for a refund (which is another story…)
“Entourage de” translates to “in the circle of”. For example if lot description of a painting refers to “entourage de Camille Corot”. In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.
Similarly, a ceramic vase “A la manière de Jean Besnard” means “in the manner of Jean Besnard” indicating that the vase is most likely NOT the work of the great ceramicist.
“DLG” is an initialism for “dans le gout” which means “in the taste of”. This is similar to “entourage de” which is “in the circle of” an artist.
“Huile sur toile” or “HST” is “oil on canvas”.
“Huile sur papier contrecollé sur panneau” is “oil on paper attached to a panel”.
“Aquarelle” is a watercolor or gouache.
“Nettoyer” is dirty. I often inquire if there is surface grime on the painting which would require that the painting be cleaned after purchase.
“Craquelure” is is the fine pattern of dense cracking formed on the surface of materials and can be induced by drying, aging, intentional patterning, or a combination of all three.
“Salissures & taches d’humidité” refers to “dirt and moisture stains” which may be present on a lithograph, watercolor or print.
“Déchirure” is a tear which may be present on a canvas, lithograph, watercolor or print.
“Cheveu” indicates a hairline crack on a piece of ceramic.
“Fêles de cuisson” is a cooking crack in a piece of ceramic.
Additional Tips For Acquiring Art
If you cannot personally attend an auction it is important that you have a complete understanding of the item’s condition. Here are a few questions to ask the auction house prior to bidding before purchasing a painting, drawing or lithograph.
- Is there surface grime (does the painting need to be cleaned)?
- Is there yellowing, staining or foxing on artworks on paper)?
- Is there craquelure – a network of fine cracks in the paint or varnish – on a painted artwork?
- Are there signs of insect infestation? This is particularly important for painted artwork on wood panels.
- How is the artwork adhered to the backing? For example, is it floated (recommended), lightly taped (ok) or glued down (difficult to remove to replace the backing).
It is equally important to ascertain if the artwork is genuine. Ask the following questions, and if still in doubt, consider obtaining a a second opinion, perhaps someone notable in the field of work.
- What is the provenance (history of ownership) of the artwork? Good provenance provides the assurance that the work you’re about to acquire is genuine.
- Has the artwork been authenticated? If so, by whom?
- Is there a certificate of authenticity from a reliable source? (For example, many artworks by Italian painters are accompanied with a signed document that includes photo of the artist with the painting.