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The Psychology of Collecting: Why We're Drawn to Art and Antiques
Inside us all, there's a deep-seated urge to collect. Whether it's children picking up seashells on the shore or sophisticated art...
Philippe Smolarski
Jan 11, 20254 min read


When a Rainy Day at the Flea Market Leads to Treasure
Sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries start with a simple email. Last week, Sarah sent us a few photos of what looked like an...
Philippe Smolarski
Jan 6, 20252 min read


Is That Thing Worth Something? Your 2025 Treasure Hunt Begins
Happy 2025, clutter connoisseurs! Forget the kale and the gym – this year, embark on a real adventure: unearthing the hidden riches...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 30, 20242 min read


The Fake Provenance Problem, A Personal Reflection
I really can’t seem to go a month without coming face to face with a fake provenance. Only a couple of weeks ago one Chinese dealer...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 21, 20246 min read


Why You Should Skip the Chinese Antiques Gold Rush and Fall in Love with Japanese Treasures.
So You Want to Be an Asian Antiques Collector? (Without Selling Your House or Firstborn) Let’s be real: trying to collect Chinese...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 20, 20245 min read


The Anatomy and Motivations of Art Forgery
Art forgery, as old as art, mingles skillful craftsmanship with deception. The idea has tantalized the world of art for many centuries,...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 17, 20246 min read


Unusual: Some Bizarre Antiques Sold at Auction Houses
Antique auctions have always intrigued us, giving a fascinating look into the quirks and oddities that have molded our history. While...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 15, 20243 min read


Intriguing Art and Antiques Fakes: The Most Notorious for 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, the art world has been shaken by several high-profile forgery cases, proving that even in an era of advanced...
Philippe Smolarski
Dec 8, 20243 min read


Analysis of the Art Market in 2024 and Forecasts for 2025: New Perspectives
The art market continues to fuel creativity, serving as both an economic and cultural pillar. In 2024, it’s seen key shifts influenced by...
Philippe Smolarski
Nov 25, 20243 min read


The Curious Case of the $6 Million Banana: When Crypto Met Contemporary Art
Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian —the infamous banana duct-taped to a wall—became a cultural sensation when it debuted at Art Basel Miami...
Philippe Smolarski
Nov 25, 20244 min read


Uncover the Secrets to Successfully Selling Your Art and Antiques Online: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Understanding Different Selling Platforms Online Marketplaces Platforms like Etsy, eBay, Amazon Art, but also Le Bon Coin and ParuVendu...
Philippe Smolarski
Oct 27, 20244 min read
Memoirs of an Expert: Between Truth and Artifice in the World of Art
Wang Shixiang (1914-2009) Feng Guodong (1948-2005). Beijing Hutong No expert worthy of the name goes...
Philippe Smolarski
Oct 25, 20242 min read


Why Appraise a Work of Art or an Antique?
Évaluer une œuvre, c'est bien plus qu'un prix. C'est plonger dans l'histoire, comprendre l'évolution artistique et préserver notre patrimoin
Philippe Smolarski
Oct 25, 20242 min read
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