SYS Blog

Damaged Ornate Antique Frame

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This frame belongs to a $25,000 painting and was made in France in the 1920s. The still life that goes in this frame is in the conservation laboratory to be treated for flaking. Because this is the original frame and looks good with the painting, it is important to the owner to stabilize the conditions […]

Huell Howser Star Sighting

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I was in Palm Springs last Friday (It was a 118 degs!) having dinner with an art dealer and collector when, to my surprise, in through the door came Huell Howser, Hollywood Icon and host of the TV series California Gold. How long has that program been on the air!!!? Talking about staying power! It […]

Russian Old Master Painting Rescued From Trash

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Recently, this artwork was politically classified to be thrown away until a sharp-eyed collector saved it from the trash. What probably happened, over the last 100 years, was that after a small rip had been repaired poorly, then again, and then another rip… and finally, the damage and the dirty surface made it fit for […]

Even Trash Can Be Turned Into Art Treasure with Proper Conservation

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Shockingly, this stunning piece was found flaking and dingy in the garbage! An inept attempt was made to “restore” it that involved an abundant application of wax to hold the painting together and a wipe with solvent to remove part of the dirt. The Dumpster Diver who discovered the painting donated it to a collector who recognized that under […]

Tips for Collectors: Protecting Yourself from Counterfeit and Fraudulent Art

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Real versus Fake? Distinguishing a genuine work of art from a counterfeit wannabe stands at the base of every collector’s worry. “Fakes” are not always an effort to deceive.  However, most “fakes” are fraudulent. Here are a few different scenarios to consider: An artist’s estate can ethically add an artist’s signature to a piece post mortem in an […]