Appraisal and authentication of African orientalism

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Orientalism integrates many facets of the art world - painting, artifacts, photography and sculpture. If you own orientalist art, it may be worth having it appraised. An expert appraisal of orientalist artwork will not only reveal its value, but also its origin and history.

How it works ?

Our African Art Experts deliver you a tailored price valuation

You add the
photos

1.

You make the
payment

2.

Expert delivers you
valuation certificate

3.

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Orientalism (Oriental paintings – Orientalist objects – Orientalist movement)

Orientalism, from painting to furniture

Although best known for its paintings (notably those by Delacroix, Gérôme and Lewis), the Orientalist movement actually developed around a wide range of arts and crafts. Orientalist paintings, however, remain the most celebrated artform. They portray a romantic, idealized vision of the Orient, from colorful markets to desert landscapes.

Photography also played a part in the artistic exploration of the Orient. Photographs of iconic places, people, costumes and local customs helped shape the Western image of the East. This new consciousness in turn influenced the craftsmen who came to embrace orientalism. Orientalist decoration and furniture were both inspired by and featured arabesques and geometric motifs.

Sculptors created objets d’art often featuring reproductions of architectural motifs and figurines inspired by oriental culture and its symbolic imagery.

Criticized for its colonial worldview and often stereotypical depictions, orientalism has nevertheless left a lasting impression on the art world. By exploring the exoticism of the Orient, these works played a part in the construction of a complex (and sometimes romanticized) vision of this part of the world. These artworks have thus influenced Western perceptions of the East for generations.

Professional appraisal of your Orientalist artwork

Assessing the value of an orientalist painting (or any other work of art from the Orientalist movement) requires an excellent knowledge of this field of art, and of the 19th century in particular.

The orientalist art expert should be able to identify the author of the work, date it and define the context of its creation. They also use their knowledge to analyze the artistic techniques employed and assess aesthetic quality. Their historical expertise enables them to compare your orientalist art with known references.

With such an in-depth analysis, the appraiser can establish the value of the orientalist work. As a connoisseur of the art market, they can also compare the intrinsic value with the market price, where supply and demand prevail. The art appraisal will therefore enable you to better understand the value of the art you own and its current price.

However, an art appraisal goes further than that. It provides you with a wealth of information about a work’s origin and its creator, opening a door onto its intimate history.

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