Rita T DiCello - Art Diagnostics

ethics, morality, liability in the art world

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:51:00 +0000

Recently I posted a question on my twitter page asking "is it suspect when an any person or organization claims expertise in many areas in art authentication and art appraisal yet fails to provide their credentials or educational background?" The reason for this question was brought on by a recent seminar in New York with several of my colleagues. Recent ethic's codes and liability reform makes it absolutely necessary for us scholars to be transparent. This seminar, sponsored in part by CAA (College Art Association) laid out new guidelines and made very clear our responsibilities as Art Historians, particularly when it comes to authentication:

"One of the areas of great responsibility, and great controversy, for art historians, whether they are employed by an academic institution or a museum, or operate as independent scholars or experts, is that of authentication or attribution, it is very important that they be aware of the issues involved. Issues of attribution and authentication differ substantially among the various fields of art history...In many fields there may be only one or two experts capable of giving an informed opinion. In others there may be many experts and conflicting published opinions...Although many art historians continue to issue individual opinions about attribution or authenticity, due to possible risks of litigation over the rendering of opinions, these guidelines recommend a different approach. Furthermore, given the international context in which opinions are rendered, international legal issues, including those relating to ownership and libel, must be approached with caution and legal guidance. "Certificate" opinions concerning or implying authentication or attribution, given for business, market value, or tax purposes, no longer, in all circumstances, represent infallible objectivity unless they are supported by a consensus. It is recommended that art historians be very cautious about issuing such opinions solely on their own authority alone...."

The transcript goes on to list the guidelines suggested that we art historians implement and for those who would like a full copy of the transcript, email me at rtdicello@roadrunner.com and I will send it to you. These issues bring up the point of just how subjective our work can be and they warn against that. In that light is it our obligation to provide our credentials in our marketing materials? For instance, don't doctors and lawyers have to include the fact that they are credentialed in law and medicine. The same I believe is true for accountants and investment providers. In short, in the marketing of appraisal and authentication services, do we have an obligation to state in our marketing materials who is doing the work and what qualifications back up their opinions? I think the short answer is yes. Ethics requires transparency.

Too many things to do on-line

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:08:00 +0000

Okay so let's see, I haven't blogged since Obama won back in November. I got into twitter a bit and of course you have the old stand by of face book. I am behind on all of these. I have found that when I am at my computer I work, if I get caught up in twittering, or face booking every "how smart are you?" or "which 1980's song are you?" I wouldn't get anything done. Not that I don't enjoy the contact with all my friends, I love it, I even get to keep in touch with my family back in Italy but I'm telling you, if people aren't productive at work these are the reasons why. You could spend days answering tweets, responding to face book challenges and so on. Now I have to think about something creative and witty to say about art. By the time I get done catching up with everything on the web, (this is not including the real world of actual material things that need taken care of) I'm spent.

So I promise to dedicate more time to this blog (not that anyone is reading it) but hey maybe there are a few of you who check in every now and then and have been disappointed that I have not blogged about my adventures (and there have been a few changes since I last wrote) I will update very soon. I promise. For those who actually do read this, drop me a line, let me know what you'd like to talk about in the art world. I have to be honest Twitter is great, I have met some really cool people from all over just by connecting on twitter. Seriously addictive though.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy mother's day to all moms.

Today is a good day

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:42:00 +0000

Okay I have tempered myself very well and have not spoken about politics on my blog but I just have to say that I stayed up very late last night on the edge of my seat watching as America truly identified herself once again as the land of opportunity and hope. Now I know there are compliments and criticisms about our new President elect but for me personally, I am ecstatic, overjoyed and humbled by this amazing electoral process. Now, I did vote for Obama & my reasons are my own. I am a daughter of an immigrant father who instilled in me his heartfelt belief that this truly was the most amazing country in the world & that it is in America where dreams and innovation were possible for all who had the fortitude to go for it, if he were alive today he would finally have felt that all of his hard work, struggles and sacrifices were justified. As I listen to the world respond, I am stunned and moved, I know the practicality of it all, we have work to do in this country but for one moment in the busy, chaotic whirlwind that is our life, can we just stop....stop to think about what has happened? What a wonderful, truly emotional day for all who have their eyes open. He speaks of hope, of what we could be as oppose to what we should settle for, there are no excuses, no reason to great for why we can not be a great country again, he inspires and calms. He is not one and all, he will not solve all of the world's problems but he gives the world a reason to want to do better. What a gift he has, to make us want to be better & achieve more so that when we leave, our children and grandchildren can talk about what an amazing generation of people we were & how we have passed the torch onto them. Today is a very good day.

DiCello Fine Art has changed

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Good morning everyone. Well, my home got infested with the swine flu this past week. It was not pretty. But thankfully, everyone is on the mend and no one needs the vaccine now. :)

In work related news, we have expanded, we have added more scholars to the group and we have decided to change the name from DiCello Fine Art to Art Diagnostics. This reflects the type of art research we do, the fact that we work with several forensic labs dealing in art analysis and reflecting the group as a whole. I think the name fits great and I am excited to get to work with the new group.

As I am sure everyone has heard by now, there is a new DaVinci discovery. A wonderful, beautiful discovery stressing once again the importance of solid art research when it comes to authenticating art: enjoy!

http://www.artknowledgenews.com/2009-10-15-21-38-41-leonardo-da-vinci-fingerprint-reveals-painting-may-be-worth-150-million.html

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Hello everyone,

The season is changing, and the colds and viruses are a comin'. As I sit here with boxes of tissues and DayQuil and Sudafed I thought to myself, just last week I was swimming, feeling great, picking tomatoes (yes I have a garden, I'm Italian!) So as I was saying, picking tomatoes and basil, making pesto, smelling warm summer breezes. Now, I can't smell basil, can't taste basil and I had to wear a jacket this morning. Don't get me wrong, I love fall, but I hate winter. I picked the perfect place to live then right? It is hard to let go of summer here because we know we have a very LONG and COLD winter ahead. Oh well. Snowman right? They're fun.

For those of you looking for DiCello Fine Art's website, I have relocated it to Art Experts Inc. Shortly, if you look there you will be redirected to Art Experts Inc.'s website. All of my information is there.

So what's going on in Cleveland? SPARX IN THE CITY, in two weeks, check it out at www.artistreviewtoday.com It is a weekend of art, music, food etc...many local artists will have their booths(me included guys) selling ourselves (not literally) but you get the idea and our art, come, see, buy something. I will also do complimentary evaluations for those who may have an antique or an appraisal question.
In the news, this was sent to me by a fellow art historian, I had been cleaning out an old desk and found my dissertation on "Degenerate Art" from the Nazi regime, thought it made for a good read. Enjoy. Have a great day. http://glclk.about.com/?zi=12/5qQd

Glitter and Doom
German Portraits from the 1920s
A Special Exhibition Review by Gail S. Myhre

Otto Dix (German, 1891-1969)
The Dancer Anita Berber, 1925
Oil and tempera on plywood

What is that saying about Karma?

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Karma...it really can bite you in the ass. Last month in the Ukraine, at the Museum of Western and Eastern Art in Odessa, a version of Caravaggio's "Taking of Christ" was taken itself, right out of the museum.

Now initially I was stunned and saddened, I knew there were copies of the original but I didn't think the original was in Odessa, then again maybe it went on loan to this museum. (As a side note, to those of you interested in the dynamics of this piece I recommend "The Lost Caravaggio" it's a great book, and it explains the long road to this painting's true discovery.) To my relief, it was in fact a copy that was stolen. Sweet isn't it? The thieves go through such a barbaric act by cutting it right out of it's frame for what? As if the act of stealing art isn't barbaric but still, even thieves could be gentle with the pieces they are pillaging. In any event, it serves them right, although it is a beautiful copy, it is old and it does demonstrate the fabulous technique perfected by Signor Merisi, we all know, a copy, is a copy, is a copy. It's not by the Master himself, it doesn't matter how good it is, to take a risk of that caliber and target Caravaggio and not have the real thing? What are they going to do with it? A private collector will be stuck with a copy, it can't go back on the market.

I'd sure like to be the fly on the wall when and if they realized..."wait you mean it's not the original?" Now reports indicate that the security system was lax at this museum, honestly folks, if this museum had the original do you really think they wouldn't have the security system up to date? Please. All in all, it serves them right. I'm telling you guys, don't mess with Karma.

Image credit:
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Italian, 1571-1610)The Taking of Christ, 1602
Oil on canvas
135.5 x 169.5 cm
Society of Jesus of Ireland, on loan to the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

Here's to a great artist

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:45:00 +0000

For those of you who don't know, I show some of my own art at The Waterloo 7 Gallery. The owner, Jerry Schmidt is a fantastic sculptor, as is his amazing son Tyler. I love these two. Jerry's creativity is endless, he is inspiring and energizing, he reminds me of what it means to be a true artist. Recently, the Plain Dealer Newspaper did a fantastic write up of him, his work, his gallery and his contribution to his community. He is also featured in their blog which I now encourage everyone to read. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday afternoon!

http://blog.cleveland.com/lifestyles/2008/08/welded_generations_as_his_fath.html

Coming up.... a Caravaggio was stolen! I'll talk about what happend, what it means for the prized piece and so on....the madness continues!

Art turned reality show!

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:44:00 +0000

I know, I know, two blogs, back to back, you're probably thinking....well nothing because yippee I actually found time to blog in a more timely manor and not wait two months before posting. I had heard this rumor and hoped it was just that, but alas it is true, Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex in the City and the new clothing line "Bitten" (which I like) has decided to dive into the art world and turn it into a reality show....okay get your laughs or cries out...now read on. Acting is art, make no mistake, I give her credit, she is an artist....but please, please, please tell me why?

Cooking yes...fun to watch...designers, okay yes fun to watch....average Americans eating disgusting things, getting dirt and muck all over themselves and looking like fools for the sake of money.....see where I am going with this......what started out as cool to see, to see a chef prepare masterpieces in the kitchen under the clock or designers whip up something fantastic for a home on a dime, that's practical, and good cooking tips. The rest...well...I don't want to have to replace anymore braincells I may loose from watching gibberish.

This is a slippery slope. It stands to turn these potential "winners" into nothing more than sell-outs, they create on a reality based theme, will they still get the respect from the art community? To rush art is dangerous, ask any artist. When they create, it is a vision from within, and sometimes what is in your head isn't so easy to convey in the medium. Forgive me for those of you that may disagree, but I don't like it, someone called this idea "groundbreaking" no it's not, go to the streets in Rome, or Paris or Torino or even New Orleans anywhere there is a thriving culture of creativity and you see art reality every day. They are right there, painting, drawing, creating. You don't need some celebrity and massive money and cable to view it. Just get out there and explore on your own, I bet you'll see much better art from the street artists than the ones who will be cherry picked for this show. That's my take on it anyway and I'm sticking to it.

Back from New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Hello everyone, hope the summer is a hot one! Here in Ohio it's been great. Some may think it's too hot but as one woman from New Orleans said to me, "honey you don't have to shovel heat!"

Speaking of the crescent city, I have just recently returned from my trip. Part business part vacation and as usual I had a great time. The city was great, the people were great and every time I go I try something new to eat....and I can not say enough about the food! I mean, it's good, really good. I went to Mr. B's in the French Quarter, I had heard from my fellow Nola junkie that their BBQ Shrimp was the best ever. So, in going with the flow of having true creole, Louisiana cooking, I ordered it, they bring you a bib people, a full staff of three servers at your beck and call, polite as if you were their own mother and they put a bib on you. Now I look at my friend as I have this thing covering my very nice black dress, and she assures me everyone wears it when they order this and the staff, witnessing my hesitation as I have flash backs of strapping these things on my kids, tells me it is well worth it.

They bring this massive plate out, some of the prettiest prawns I have ever seen. That's all that is in there, prawns, giant prawns and a lot of them swimming in this brown sauce and some bread. I taste them..............I have been to heaven. Now I'm from the Adriatic coast, I have had fish so fresh, my cousin caught them that morning, I have had some of the best prawns in some of the best sauces, but these were different. These were the sweetest, juiciest prawns I have ever tasted. Well worth the bib as I use my fingers to peel each one and dip them in this sauce that is nothing like a BBQ sauce that come from a jar, I have no idea what to call it except nectar for these heavenly creations.

Okay, I know we talk about art, but as a foodie I feel it is just as important to at times discuss the culinary arts, so if you are ever in New Orleans, so far three places I recommend that I go to every time I'm there: Nola, (Emerile's place, always great food and the best service!), Bayona (just delicious, best desserts hands down) and Mr. B's (for the obvious reasons already mentioned and their fantastic bread pudding that makes the next day work out well worth it). My list will grow as I go back, which I plan to do. I'll let you know what find.

In other news, another art theft? This time at the Aberg Museum in Stockholm, the poor items of desire were Lichtensteins and Warhols. However, their biggest mistake (as if that wasn't big enough), was the theft of a vintage poster of Donald Duck, yep, Disney. So, if caught, their punishment, rightfully so, will be severe but I sure would like to be a fly on that courtroom wall when the idiotic losers face the Disney Legal Team. Paybacks are a ....well you know.

What else? Oh back to New Orleans, the auction held for the PBS station to raise money for a new station was a real success, our gallery, not to toot our horn but what the hell, contributed many local works and they sold very well. A nice thing to see for such a deserving cause. The city itself is full of heart, determination, passion, energy and life. They rebuild every day, the preserver every day and each time I go back, more stores, more art, more life is back.

Take care to all, have a great weekend!

The Cleveland Museum of Art reopened

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Well, Sunday our beloved Cleveland Museum of Art reopened its doors after three years of renovation and more on the way. The reviews are mixed so far (at least from my nutty art obsessed friends who were there for the ribbon cutting and musical introduction.)

Now I wanted to be there, participate in this monumental occasion but alas, with two little kids it's hard and a husband who although likes art, still has not forgiven me for making him walk Rome for 8 hours carrying his Armani shopping bag (I told him to wait to shop but he didn't listen) as I basically acted as the "expert" for the day talking his ear off about the significance of what was around him and the profound impact it had on me growing up just hours away. I do believe at one point he fell asleep while walking.

So back to CMA's opening, yes I wanted to go but couldn't. So I had my friends give me all the details about the changes. From what I'm hearing, bring your walking shoes and grab a map because you'll need it.

Visitors entering from the parking garage have to follow a yellow arrow path cleverly titled "Art detour". However you can still get in at the main entrance from the south if you park on the street. As you walk in, the Guelph Treasures that decorated the main rotunda are gone and the area has been cleared out to allow visitors the opportunity to orient themselves. The renowned Armor Court is right where it has always been since 1916 and they don't dare touch it except to add a few pieces to spice it up a bit but the cloister garden to the east of the rotunda is gone along with the Museum cafeteria with its lovely outdoor eating area. The cafeteria has been moved to the north entrance where the special exhibitions use to be. However no mention has been made as to what will happen to the outdoor eating area.

I can explain the whole layout but here is the gist of what my friends and colleagues think...it is their understanding the goal was to make the layout flow better for the visitor, to have things in their appropriate sequence and easier to follow therefore easier to enjoy. The verdict is mixed as to whether or not they've succeeded in doing that but as I said in the beginning, I haven't been there yet so I can't make my final conclusion yet.

But I will say this, I have always enjoyed this museum, it is a spectacular collection and in my opinion the one of the very limited things that prevents Cleveland from being referred to by the rest of the nation as America's toilet (these are not my words but a friend of mine from England, and needless to say a few words exchanged but I think I changed his mind just a bit after a few pints)

Also, it's FREE people!!! FREE..........nothing is free anymore yet you can spend as long as you want, come as often as you want, sit, think, daydream, do nothing, but absorb the creative air that surrounds you. That is one of the greatest things about this place, having visited quite a few museums and I love them all, our own CMA has some of the best examples of art in the world and it costs nothing to be up close to it. In my opinion, it doesn't matter what they do to it so long as I can go and see it.

The complete renovation isn't done yet and won't be for awhile but I definitely plan to go, construction and all, the doors have reopened, it's a great day for me.

Insurance appraisal

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Okay, I swear I will get better at posting things. I'm just getting use to blogging. Anyway, last week, I was interviewed by photographer Mark Quinn from Artist Review Today about the necessity of appraisals and art authentication.
I thought I would expand on that conversation here in my blog. So here goes:

If you collect art, or you inherit artwork, your standard home owners policy may not cover it. You may want to have your artwork appraised so you know exactly how much it's worth in the event of a loss. In fact, some policies will not cover artwork unless it is specifically mentioned in the insurance contract. One can do this either by identifying the artwork as a class within the clause that specifies the items covered or by itemizing the pieces in the insured collection. This may mean a higher premium but it may avoid serious monetary loss or litigation down the road.

Now if you want to sell the items, that is a Fair Market Value Appraisal, it is a document that describes what the item would sell for in the open market. Please keep in mind people that just because it could sell for a listed price, doesn't mean it always will. Ultimately it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. In the case of extremely high end pieces, i.e. artists with incredible sales record and you have an original, the likelihood of it selling at the going rate are very good. If there is a flood in the market of your particular piece, you may not get it's full value- at least not right now. Later down the line that may change.

What everyone has to remember is that the art market, just like the stock market fluctuates, albeit not every second of every day, but every few years some art depreciates while others appreciate significantly. If you want to know for sure what your items are worth, get them appraised. Even if it's not by me :) get someone to look at them at some point in time. There really has never been a better time to sell. No I'm not talking about millions of dollars as the norm, though some art is bringing that in and then some. I'm talking about how there is a very good chance that what you paid 5 dollars for could be worth $1,000.00.

And finally, art appraisals and art authentication are not the same. Yes as an art historian I use common sense in my abilities to recognize if something has potential, but to authenticate work takes more than a good guess and it involves more than establishing a value which sometimes cannot be done accurately if the item isn't authenticated. It take in depth research and scientific approaches at times are necessary and most important, it takes time. In the end, it is worth it because there is no value in not knowing. At least that is my take on it.

That's it for today, I welcome questions or comments if you have any. Otherwise, enjoy the day, what started out as cold, cloudy and rainy here in Cleveland, even though it is June has ended up to be a sunny, yet cool day. I'll take the sun any day.

Artdaily.org - The First Art Newspaper on the Net

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Good morning everyone, it is a cloudy Sunday here in Cleveland Ohio. As I start to make some morning coffee and turn on my computer, I see this wonderful article on my homepage of Artdaily.org.

Check it out, enjoy it and offer some thoughts. By the way, it's when I hear about great exhibits like this that I wish traveling was easier.

Rita

"Starting From Scratch: American and European art in the aftermath of World War Two (1945-1950)

Artdaily.org - The First Art Newspaper on the Net

Welcome to the first posting

noreply@blogger.com (Rita T DiCello) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:42:00 +0000

Hello everyone, welcome to the first posting from DiCello Fine Art. Discussion about art, art history, and art sales will be the theme. Any questions and/or comments are welcome.

First topic: The scandals facing museums and curators

Recently there has been a lot of press about the questionable acquisition practices by museums and accredited curators. In response, European establishments are recalling significant works of art. The main factors for the recall?

(1) Upon sale and transfer of pieces (usually shortly after or around WWII), the items were misrepresented, meaning art by major artists were brought in under less significant or unknown artists

AND

(2) Some of the art has been posted on Art Loss Registry, a database of all artwork listed as stolen

We hold museums at such a high ethical standard. How do these artifacts slip through the cracks? What can museums and curators do in the future to prevent these situations? Proving provenance is not easy, what lessons are to be learned with art and art sales being one of the strongest markets?