This text examines the suitcase as both a material object and a symbolic figure within the experience of migration, exile, and displacement—an object that, from the nineteenth century onward, gradually became a defining sign of forced travel and acquired a stable presence in artistic and museological narratives in the twentieth century. Focusing on the historical trajectories of Mar...

The present article focuses on ten high-value Iranian artworks sold at auction in 2025. These works represent eight prominent artists spanning Iran’s classical, modern, and contemporary periods, including Reza Abbasi, Mohammad Qasim, Mo'en Mosavver, Bahman Mohasses, Ali Banisadr, Hossein Zenderoudi, and Manoucher Yektai. All of the works were executed on paper or canvas and were sol...

Artchart Half-Year Auction Market Report on Iranian Art - H1 1404 SH (Mar–Sep 2025) provides a detailed overview of the key trends and developments observed in this six-month period of the Iranian calendar year. The report examines the presence and performance of Iranian artworks in auctions held worldwide during this timeframe, including the activities of major auction houses, the...

In the mid-eighteenth century, Charles Batteux, in his treatise Les Beaux-Arts réduits à un même principe," drew for the first time a precise and hierarchical boundary between the arts created “solely for pleasure” and those that pursue “utility” alongside—or instead of—pleasure. This seemingly theoretical distinction in fact laid the foundation for one of the most enduring debates...

Art-backed loans provide collectors with a distinctive opportunity to obtain liquidity without divesting their valuable assets. Although this approach entails challenges, including complex valuation procedures and relatively high interest rates, its potential benefits render it an appealing option for investors and collectors seeking to optimize the utility of their luxury holdings.

The origin of the concept of the “ascetic and self-sacrificing artist” can be traced to the expansion of the art market in the nineteenth century and the increasing commercialization of art—a development notably reflected in the writings of Charles Baudelaire. This idea holds that an artist should place the pursuit of art above material concerns.In contrast, the commercially minded...

For those new to the field, acquiring digital art can still be a complex and occasionally daunting experience. Terms such as “minting,” “gas fees,” or “smart contracts” are often unfamiliar and may cause confusion. Moreover, the wide variety of artworks and formats can make the selection process challenging. Nevertheless, tools for collecting digital art are becoming increasingly ac...

An auction house is a place where collectors and art dealers gather to compete for the most valuable works in the world. Every move these players make can shape the dynamics of the art market, while successful sales allow auction houses to demonstrate the vitality and vibrancy of the market. Observing these events—particularly evening auctions—evokes a unique sense of excitement, al...

The Iranian art scene in the first quarter of 1404 SH (March to June 2025) witnessed a diverse range of artistic and commercial events. The Tehran Auction, held on May 22, focused on modern and contemporary Iranian art, offering 100 works by 97 Iranian artists. Galleries inside the country showcased exhibitions of modern and contemporary masters alongside younger artists, while inte...