01 · Art 101

Your first art investment.

Start with understanding, not a promise of returns. These guides are educational, not personalised financial advice.

Your first collection

Start with your eye

Buy what you want to live with. Learn the difference between an original, a print and a reproduction.

Read guide

Authenticity & provenance

Know what you’re buying

A signature is a starting point, not proof. Follow a work’s history before making an offer.

Read guide

Understanding art prices

Read beyond the headline

Artist, period, medium and condition matter more than a single record-breaking auction.

Read guide

The beginner’s guide

Know what you’re buying

Ask for the paper trail

Request the ownership history, prior invoices, exhibition references and any catalogue entries. Check names, dates and photographs against the work itself. Gaps should prompt questions, not assumptions.

Look beyond the signature

A certificate alone is not a guarantee. Consult an independent specialist where the price or uncertainty warrants it. Understand who issued any certificate and the evidence behind it.

Get the agreement in writing

Record the artist, title, medium, size, condition, price and the seller’s authenticity representations. Ask about the return policy and keep all documents after purchase.

Market notebook

Price trends by artist.

A work’s period, medium, size and provenance can matter as much as the artist’s name. Explore what to compare before interpreting a sale.

Artist

01 · S.H. Raza

Medium & period

Compare like-for-like works, not an artist’s record canvas with an edition or drawing.

02 · S.H. Raza

Condition & provenance

Restoration, documentation and exhibition history can materially affect the price.

03 · S.H. Raza

Dated comparable sales

Use the sale date, currency and final price including fees. Review unsold lots as well.

Verified price series have not been added yet. Browse published results at Saffronart or Christie’s; auction records are not a guarantee of future value.