Antiquities span the entire timeline of our shared cultural heritage, from Paleolithic cave paintings to Egyptian mummies and Greek sculpture. Their use for aesthetic appreciation or daily utility has helped shape societies across the globe.
Unfortunately, the antiques trade has been falsely associated with illicit trafficking, which is damaging the reputation of a well-established and forward thinking industry. Visit https://www.gognasrl.it/antiquariato/acquistiamo-in-tutta-italia/stime-perizie-valutazioni-antiquariato-antichita-a-roma-lazio/ to learn more.
The term authenticity is often used to describe an object’s ability to express who or what it really is. However, there is also an ethical use of the word that refers to a person’s moral virtues. In this sense, authenticity is a virtue that involves the capacity for self-reflection and the ability to judge which motivations are truly her own.
This concept is most closely associated with the philosopher Martin Heidegger and his work on Dasein, or being. Heidegger uses the concept of authenticity to describe a process that is inherent in all human relationships. The evaluative-normative use of the concept of authenticity implies that it is only possible in a society in which certain social values are already established (Berger 1997), and that authentic behavior is a function of these societal virtues.
In the modern world, there has been a significant revival of interest in ancient objects. This is partly due to the discovery of new treasures, such as the Laocoon mask and the Elgin Marbles. In addition, a growing number of museums and art galleries have specialised in antiquities.
The term “antiquities” refers to works of art from the ancient past, usually centred on western civilizations from about 4,500 BCE to the start of the Middle Ages. These cultures produced advanced pottery, complex religious art such as Egyptian pyramid architecture, and storytelling through relief sculptures like upright stone or wooden steles. These forms of art can be highly valuable, particularly if they have been well-preserved and are in good condition.
As a result of this revival, many people have begun to collect antiquities, and there has been a significant increase in prices for these objects. The rise in popularity of these items has also led to an increased interest in archaeological research, and many universities have dedicated their resources to the field. These efforts have uncovered several ancient treasures, including the tomb of Alexander the Great. Authenticity is an important consideration when collecting antiquities, and it is essential to know what to look for. If you are unsure about the authenticity of an object, consult an expert. They can help you determine whether the piece is genuine or not, and they can give you advice on how to care for it.
Legality
The trade in antiquities is often associated with looting and illicit excavation. These illegal activities are not only damaging to the archaeological record but can also cause serious damage to people’s health, particularly children who work on archaeological sites. Those who engage in these illegal activities do not respect labour or property laws, and often the individuals who do the digging (whether as archaeologists or amateur collectors) are poorly paid, if at all. Black market artefacts are also usually sold without any provenance and so carry an extra risk of being fakes, which can have a severe impact on the reputation of museums and private collectors.
Some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries have enacted stringent rules regarding the purchase of antiquities. Others have been stung by scandals and lawsuits as a result of purchasing artefacts that were not fully documented or came from illegally excavated sources. Despite this, the sale of undocumented archaeological material remains a major part of the art trade and casual online browsing shows that antiquities of questionable legality are still being traded widely.
As a result, there is a great deal of concern in the art world about the sale of culturally important objects which are not properly sourced or documented. The American Alliance of Museums has created a set of guidelines for their members to follow when it comes to acquiring antiquities, but these are not legally binding. The United States has a number of bilateral cultural property agreements, or MOUs, with various countries which restrict the import of antiquities into the country unless they have a valid export permit.
While the MOU process does not necessarily prevent illegitimate sales, it does put the onus on those wishing to purchase an antiquity to prove that it was legally exported from its country of origin. This puts the purchaser on notice that they could potentially face criminal prosecution if they are found to be in possession of looted artefacts.
There are also a number of other international treaties and conventions that can be cited to support the legality of the sale of antiquities, but the fact remains that it is very difficult for individual buyers to be held responsible for their purchase. This is because international law is more concerned with the relationship between countries rather than individual people and is only enforceable by nations (rather than by individuals).
Provenance
Provenance is the recorded journey of an artwork through one or more owners, and it’s a critical factor in authenticating antiques. It can also provide contextual information about a work, such as its history of ownership or exhibition history. However, it’s important to note that not all provenance is created equal. For example, a collector should avoid collecting objects that have unclear or undocumented histories. Instead, he or she should focus on buying pieces that have been verified by experts and reputable institutions.
As a general rule, documented or ‘named’ provenance is the strongest form of proof available. This is because it provides full context and helps verify the authenticity of an object. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that a good dealer will be able to supply other types of provenance – for example, hearsay or anonymous – as part of the due diligence process.
In the past, provenance was a relatively minor factor in pricing an art piece, but today it’s often crucial. Whether or not a work was illegally excavated and exported, or sourced through an established cultural institution, its history of possession can have significant impacts on its value. This is particularly true for rare and valuable objects, such as ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, or those that have been linked to illegal trafficking.
A number of museums and other institutions have recently stepped up their efforts to conduct rigorous provenance research on antiquities. This is partly because of their concerns about the security risks posed by illicit antiquities, including terrorist financing and money laundering. In addition, they want to ensure that their collections are sourced ethically and legally.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy. Illicit antiquities are often sold through underground networks and smuggled across borders, making it difficult to trace their routes. Additionally, some dealers may be unwilling to divulge the full details of their collection, or even the source of their acquisitions.
As a result, many antiquities have been sold without fully documented or verified histories. This is a major concern for museums and other institutions, as well as for the wider art market. However, some progress is being made, and a network of researchers has recently been formed to share resources and findings.
Care
As every antique tells a unique and valuable story, it’s important that they receive proper care and preservation to ensure that they remain in good condition for future generations. Many ancient objects require specific conservation conditions to prevent degradation, making it essential to find a buyer with the skills and resources to maintain them.
While minor signs of wear and tear can add to the character of an object, significant damage should be addressed promptly. Depending on the material, this may involve filling and sanding, re-gluing joints, or patching and repainting. The best approach is always to seek the advice of a qualified antique restoration specialist.
When working on wood surfaces, never use furniture oil; it can lead to discoloration or even rotting of the timber. Instead, a furniture wax polish is the best solution. These are usually combinations of beeswax, carnauba wax and either white spirit or turpentine (derived from pine tree sap) used to soften the wax and help it move easily across the surface without damaging the wood. A good restorer will test a small area on an inconspicuous part of the antique to see how it reacts, then work out a formula that will give them the result they want.
Similarly, when working on textiles, only use the mildest cleaner possible and avoid bleaches or detergents which can discolor or weaken fabrics. It’s also advisable to store artifacts in acid-free boxes or paper enclosures to prevent moisture and salts from damaging them.
Metals are more resistant to environmental factors than other materials, but they can still deteriorate if exposed to water, light, or salts. It’s a good idea to invest in a digital hygrometer and thermometer for storage spaces, so you can monitor environmental conditions and make changes as necessary.
The global antiquities market is a complex ecosystem that intersects centuries of culture, international law, and ethical concerns. It’s essential for collectors to conduct due diligence to ensure that they are purchasing ethically and legally. This is a similar process to that employed in the real estate industry, allowing potential buyers to validate information before making high-stakes purchases.
