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...

Auction houses are where wealthy collectors and art dealers gather and compete for the best of the art world. These actors tend to change the atmosphere of this world with their performance; Auctioneers are also interested in seeing the boom of the market with successful sales. Although, watching these events, the most important of which are the evening auctions, creates a certain e...

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...

Following the 2009 financial crisis and the subsequent phase of global economic recovery, the art market also experienced a renewed momentum and significant growth. This widespread transformation has intensified the demand for specialized and protective services within the art sector, including art insurance.Art insurance is a specialized financial coverage designed to support colle...

During the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, artistic activities within Iran were temporarily suspended and gradually resumed, while the international presence of Iranian artists continued uninterrupted. Historical evidence from the World War II era suggests that in times of crisis, art can serve as a temporary safe haven for capital. However, such wartime booms...

In Spring 2025, three dedicated auctions focusing on Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern art were held alongside the 23rd edition of the Tehran Auction. Altogether, these events generated a total sales volume of approximately $9.6 million. Among the Middle Eastern sales, Lebanese artists led the charts, while the Tehran Auction alone accounted for nearly $2.2 million in sales of...