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...

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...

Artchart, a data-mining platform for the Iranian art market, has analyzed economic data since 2019. Since 2022, it has published annual reports on Iran’s art market and, in 2024, expanded to regional analyses. In 2025, Artchart further broadened its scope by examining the role and behavior of key players in Iran’s art scene.Its first report on Iranian art collectors and buyers explo...

Over the past two years, the global art market has faced significant challenges and a notable downturn. According to recent reports, total auction sales at major houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips saw a sharp decline in 2024, continuing the downward trend from 2023.In response, the art market has been exploring new strategies to counteract these losses. One promising...