Whether it’s an ancient Greek bronze sculpture or a stone bust of a Roman emperor, collecting antiquities can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
These include ensuring that your dealer is a member of a reputable trade association, researching the legality of buying antiquities and how to care for them. Read on Antichità Brescia for more information.
Provenance is the history of an artefact, showing who owned it, when and where. This information is vital, as it helps to establish an object’s authenticity, and to ensure that it has not been recently looted or stolen. Unlike mortgage lenders, who require potential home buyers to conduct a title search before granting a loan, few antiques buyers carry out provenance research before purchasing items in the four-figure range or up.
The lack of provenance research in the antiques trade has resulted in a large number of illegally traded or sold objects entering the market. Some dealers have even gone as far as to make false claims about the origin of their objects in order to maximise sales. This type of fraud has led to the emergence of new laws requiring antiquities dealers to document their claims about an object’s authenticity and its origin.
Other dealers have made the choice to adopt provenance as a part of their standard practice in order to avoid legal disputes and potential restitution claims. These dealers will usually include a statement in their catalogues or website confirming that they have conducted thorough and exhaustive research into an object’s authenticity and its origin. This is a much stronger form of provenance than simply a dealer’s claim, as it can be validated by third parties. It is only in very rare instances that this evidence can be forged by unscrupulous dealers, and therefore it does not completely negate the need for a buyer to conduct their own checks prior to purchase.
Museums have also embraced provenance as part of their standard practices, with many of them having dedicated staff members devoted to provenance research. These individuals work within specific curatorial departments, and report directly to department heads or chief curators. The J Paul Getty Museum, for example, has maintained its dedicated provenance research team despite the court-ordered and self-initiated restitutions that it has been subject to over the years. This type of dedicated provenance research can be costly, but is a good investment for the long term integrity of an institution’s collection.
Legality
In the past, antiquities were often bought and sold without the benefit of any legal safeguards. However, in recent decades, the pendulum has swung towards greater regulation of the trade. There are now a number of national laws, international treaties and conventions that deal with the protection, movement and marketing of ancient objects.
It is important for anyone dealing with antiquities to ensure that they are aware of the various laws and conventions that govern the trade. This will help them avoid purchasing illegally obtained objects. Additionally, they should always practice due diligence when buying an antiquity. This includes checking the object’s history and provenance, and the dealer’s reputation. They should also check the Art Loss Register and INTERPOL databases for information on whether the object has been reported as stolen.
Moreover, it is a good idea to buy antiquities from dealers who are members of an archaeological or art trade association. These associations have a strict Code of Conduct that they must adhere to, which provides buyers with security and trust. Furthermore, they will be able to advise on the legality of an item.
It’s also a good idea to purchase an antiquity from a dealer who is well-versed in the laws and conventions of the country where it was made. Several countries have very strict export regulations. Buying an antiquity from a dealer who does not comply with these rules can lead to legal problems.
Some museums have also started to insist that any object with a questionable origin should not be acquired. This is in an attempt to stop the flow of funds from the illegal antiquities market to terrorist organizations. In addition, some museum directors have suggested that federal regulators should oversee the acquisition of antiquities by museums.
In Israel, it is illegal to excavate for or remove an antiquity without a license from the Antiquities Authority. The majority of the objects that end up on the market are excavated and removed from the country illegally, often by smugglers. They then sell the objects to dealers.
Some of the dealers that supply Israeli antiquities claim that most of their material comes from legal collections. They argue that it was legal to excavate on private property and collect antiquities before 1978.
Accessibility
The laws that govern antiquities are far more stringent than those governing other types of personal property. Many nations have laws asserting that any cultural artifacts discovered within their borders automatically belong to the state, and that removing them, even for scholarly purposes, is a form of theft and illegal trafficking of state property. As a result, most antiques are not legally available for purchase in private collections. In addition, antiquities are often subject to strict reporting and money laundering requirements. While these restrictions are meant to prevent looting and illicit trade, they can also severely limit access to the material culture of some of the world’s most historically significant civilizations.
Despite the high stakes involved, many collectors choose to acquire antiquities, particularly objects from the ancient Near East. The incredibly complex and advanced cultures that flourished in this area have left behind a breath-taking array of archaeological treasures. There are many reasons why an individual may choose to collect antiquities, including their aesthetic appeal, historical significance, or a deep emotional connection. However, it is important to understand the differences between antiques and antiquities before starting a collection.
In the case of cylinder seals, for example, an antique is an object that is over 100 years old while an antiquity refers to the age of the object’s origin. This distinction is important because some countries have strict laws regarding the ownership of antiquities, while others allow it freely. The legal status of an antiquity can have a profound impact on its value and its ability to be legally exported.
As such, it is important to always conduct thorough research and due diligence when acquiring antiquities, whether online or in person. Obtaining a full authentication report from an unbiased, trusted source is an invaluable investment that will give you peace of mind and help to avoid the risk of purchasing forgeries.
Moreover, the digital dissemination of antiquities offers an opportunity to make once-inaccessible heritage sites more widely accessible than ever before. The Smart Eye app, for instance, utilizes augmented reality to present an archaeological site as it would have been seen when first discovered by archaeologists. In this way, the app makes “invisible” heritage sites once again visible and accessible to the public, connecting modern-day people with their shared cultural past.
Care
Antiquities hold a wealth of cultural and historical knowledge, and it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that these irreplaceable treasures are protected. Whether you’re a museum curator, an antique dealer, or simply a collector, proper climate control, handling, cleaning, and display are essential for preserving antiquities for generations to come.
Proper storage is one of the most important aspects of protecting an antiquity, as even minor changes in air temperature can cause damage over time. Aim for a consistent temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and store antiquities in well-ventilated rooms away from direct sunlight.
When it comes to handling an antiquity, cotton gloves are ideal, as they prevent the oils from your hands from transferring onto its surface. Avoid grabbing an object by its fragile parts, and lift it from sturdy areas like handles or edges to prevent breakage. Avoid rubbing or scraping the surface of any artifact, as this can cause microscopic damage that worsens over time. It’s also best to avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch delicate surfaces. Instead, try a non-abrasive polish made specifically for antique metal, and always test any cleaning products on a small area before use.
Storing your antiquities in acid-free boxes and paper enclosures will also help to preserve them. Standard cardboard contains acids that can discolor or weaken sensitive objects over time. Acid-free materials are also the most secure option, as they’re less likely to rip or tear.
It’s a good idea to have your antiquities professionally authenticated before buying or selling them. This will ensure that you’re dealing with a legitimate piece of history, and will give you confidence in your investment. Professional authentication involves scientific testing, a thorough review of the craftsmanship and materials used in manufacture, and a complete record of an item’s provenance.
In addition to establishing authenticity, it’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of damage or wear on your antiques. Untreated cracks in wood furniture can lead to structural damage, and neglecting regular maintenance on mechanical items like clocks can result in the need for costly repairs.