The study of antiques draws upon multiple disciplines, including art history, archaeology, material culture studies, and conservation science. Professional associations and educational programs establish standards and provide structure for the field.
One solution favored by archaeological and cultural preservationists is to encourage so-called source countries to better protect their heritage, so that antiquities can legally enter the market without contravening laws. This is known as a supply-side strategy. Read on Antichità Napoli for more information.
Authenticity is the most important aspect of provenance for antique collectors. It adds value to an object and provides a narrative that connects it to history and culture. This authenticity also helps establish a buyer’s relationship with the object and encourages a sense of stewardship. However, the authenticity of an antique must be based on verifiable evidence. Oral histories and traditions can add to an antique’s value, but they do not substitute for a documented history. This verification process can be challenging because many antiques are made of non-organic material such as stone or clay, which cannot be carbon dated. Additionally, archaeological sites in developing countries do not have the resources to test antiquities.
Despite this, the power of the concept of authenticity remains pervasive on the global antiquities market. Looters, traffickers, and sellers are willing to risk criminal prosecution by providing photographic proof of their artefacts’ authenticity. They know that the monetary gain of selling an ancient artefact is worth the risk.
In this context, introducing soft control techniques centred on authenticity may be an effective way to discourage the illicit trade in cultural property. These methods could highlight the ways in which scientific techniques are thwarted by antiquities dealers, show how easy it is to forge an in situ artefact trafficking photograph, or call into question the ‘for pay’ expert opinions offered by auction houses and dealerships.
In addition, highlighting the fact that certain source countries have been unsuccessful in disrupting the international auction marketplace by declaring their antiquities to be fakes might discourage prospective buyers. This is because the monetary value of an antiquity can be depreciated significantly if there are doubts about its authenticity.
Provenance
Provenance is one of the most important aspects of antiques. It is the history of ownership of a piece, revealing the previous owners and important events. Provenance also verifies the authenticity of a work, ensuring that collectors get true value for their investments.
The term comes from the French word provenir, which means “to rise from.” Provenance is similar to authenticity, but it is a more comprehensive approach to confirming the legitimacy of an object. While authenticity tells you whether or not an object is genuine, provenance provides a more detailed record of the item’s history, including its history in collections and notable events that occurred during the object’s life.
A thorough verification process includes examining historical records, consulting experts, and cross-referencing documentation. It can even include a certificate of authentication from a museum or other reputable institution. Having provenance can significantly boost the monetary value of an antiquity. For example, a simple piece of furniture might be worth much more if it once belonged to a historical figure.
Having provenance is essential to ensure that you’re getting a real antiquity and not a forgery. Unfortunately, many people sell or buy antiquities without any proof that they are authentic. In the worst cases, these objects are illegally excavated from archaeological sites and sold on the black market. This has been linked to money laundering and other crimes.
Some people believe that buying black market antiquities will help to ‘rescue’ them from smugglers and save them from being destroyed or looted from their countries of origin. However, this is a dangerous and misguided idea. Countries recovering from shattering wars need their cultural heritage, not only to bolster social pride but to educate the next generation and attract tourists.
In most cases, dealers will provide documented or named provenance as part of their due diligence. Documented provenance is the strongest form of proof, as it provides an extensive history of the item’s ownership. Named provenance, on the other hand, is a little less reliable as it only states that an item has been in a specific collection. This can be difficult to verify, as it’s not always easy to determine who owned the collection in question.
Legality
The antiquities trade is an international one with individuals and institutions acquiring cultural heritage objects for research and display, while others are arts traders who buy and sell, much like any other business. Regardless of the motivation for collecting or trading, there are strict laws that protect both the public and collectors from unscrupulous dealers and individuals who are trafficking in illicit goods. Despite the publicity surrounding Hobby Lobby’s purchase of illegally acquired artefacts to stock their Museum of the Bible, there are many ways in which people can legally obtain antiquities that have been purchased in good faith.
Purchasing black market antiquities does not help the archaeological cause; on the contrary, it puts money into the hands of criminals and gangsters who use it to continue their exploitation, coercion and even murder of the general population and archaeologists. While a few individuals may profit from buying black market antiquities, the vast majority of the profits are funnelled back into criminal activity and to support terrorist organisations.
A number of source nations have enacted legislation to ensure the protection of their cultural heritage and the return of looted artefacts. Among these is Turkey, which has a law that declares any cultural object discovered on its territory to be state property. Egypt, for its part, has a law that states all antiquities are national property and that any object found on Egyptian soil must be handed over to the Ministry of Antiquities immediately.
While this is not a complete solution to the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities, it is an important step. In addition, a number of nations have been able to establish bilateral agreements with the United States that restrict the sale and export of their archaeological and artistic heritage. This is an effective tool for preventing the flow of illicit antiquities to the market and has been used effectively by the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection agency.
For those looking to acquire antiques in the United States, the best option is to work with a dealer that has signed a cultural property agreement with the government. This places the burden of proof on importers to prove that they are not importing antiquities with a history of being illegally exported from their country of origin or that they are not re-exporting antiquities that have been previously smuggled. In addition, it is wise to check databases of stolen objects like the Art Loss Register and INTERPOL, as well as antiquities-specific databases for a dealer’s reputation and the physical integrity of an object before committing to a purchase.
Care
Unlike other collectables, antiques require special care due to their age and fragile materials. They should be protected from sudden temperature and humidity changes, exposure to direct sunlight and chemical contamination. Storing them in a glass or perspex-enclosed cabinet, for example, will help to prevent these damaging environmental factors and keep the objects safe from pests such as insects and rodents.
It’s also essential to know which cleaning products and treatments are safe for antiques. It’s best to avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal polish, as these can cause microscopic damage that worsens over time. If you’re unsure about what is and isn’t safe to use, you should always seek professional advice from an experienced conservator.
The global antiquities market has evolved significantly in recent decades, and it is now regulated by strict national laws, international conventions and ethical guidelines. These rules do not prevent legitimate trade but aim to protect invaluable cultural heritage from disappearing into private collections without any documentation or being lost to history entirely.
Having your antiques professionally authenticated is essential for peace of mind, but it’s also vital to take care of them properly to ensure they last for generations to come. Regular gentle maintenance and the right storage are key, as is keeping a record of treatment and condition reports for each piece.
Avoid immersing low fired earthenware such as delftware, faience or maiolica in water, as this can aggravate cracks and unglazed areas. It’s much safer to use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning.
When handling an antique, it’s a good idea to wear cotton gloves, as this will prevent the natural oils from your hands from transferring onto its surface and scratching it. It’s also advisable to lift it from sturdy areas like handles or edges, rather than touching it directly. Touching an antique for extended periods of time can also lead to microscopic damage, so you should always let it rest.
It’s also a good idea to store your antiques in acid-free paper or boxes, rather than standard cardboard, as this will help to preserve them. Storing them in a cool, dry area with a constant temperature will also help to keep them in good condition. A hygrometer is a useful tool for monitoring the ambient climate of your storage space, and you should make any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal conditions.