It is the embodiment of the great classical taste

In a climate of total uncertainty of the values, the ancient art can be called a refuge area. It is studied, conserved and exposed for centuries by prestigious authorities and the proven talents are not subject to doubt. This is certainly what explained the results recorded in December last in London. In a chaotic economic context, Christie's has sold 80 of the proposed lots and Sotheby's, if it has not sold 61 of the works, obtained not less than three records of prices for old masters. The broker specialized Parisian Etienne Bréton Note: "our buyers are more careful but they continue to make acquisitions." American museums for example can request up to two years of averaging payments. As to private collectors, they continue to be driven by passion. The withdrawal of the new buyers motivates the most ancient in the quest for opportunities. Because today for 100,000 euros, is able to make the acquisition of a former quality paint. "While the same amount, it is difficult to obtain a relevant work of a master of American contemporary art or European modern art, despite an already sensitive falling prices.

For the production of 17th-early 19th century, the ratings increased little in recent years but they seem to be also less subject to reductions. Thus in 2004, an Italian collector, Luigi Koelliker, acquired from Etienne Bréton of two paintings by Georges de La Tour workshop for 110,000 euros. It is strong and well executed pictures in this learned characteristic chiaroscuro of master French of the 17th century a young man holding a pipe in hand and a woman leaning his face on a blaze. They are offered with an estimate of 250,000 dollars (188.000 euros). But the consequence of this continuity of the price is quite risky in a sluggish economy.

Reliable values

In the sales of Sotheby's and Christie's in New York between 28 and 30 January estimates of the tables do not fall downward, away. So one of the stars of the sales is, at Sotheby's, a picture of Franz Hals, portrait Dutch 17th-century, representing a significant holding gloves. It is estimated at $ 8 million and the specialists agree to recognize that it is a very "optimistic value." Sotheby's hope that the "big name" effect will play for the table. At Christie's, Ben Hall confesses that estimates a level equal to those of last year and that they were set, for the most since the summer. "We have already noticed in previous crises, such as the beginning of the 1990s, the area of the old tables continued to well." The observation is also valid not to mention exceptional amounts of money.

Several "safe securities" works are proposed this season about 100,000 euros. But what is it precisely "In a table that allows to retrieve its investment at resale", said Sotheby's, Nicolas Joly. He gives the example of a canvas in Sham imitation a low relief in terracotta on a wood panel and representing a scene of children carried out by Anne Vallayer-Coster (1744-1818), "one of the great 18th-century French artists." It is the embodiment of the great classical taste. "The treatment of the subject is original." At the time of its presentation at the Salon in 1771, one of the authors of the encyclopedia, Denis Diderot, had commented: "It is certain that all recipients were as Miss Vallayer as equal, the show would otherwise furnished." His estimate: 80,000 euros.

January 29 for a single sale of Sotheby's, leader this season will offer not less than 81 million of old paintings. It is a test that will help locate the commitment of the buyers in the field. As Christie's, the firm owned by François Pinault, seems to put forward other priorities. In the last "Christie's Magazine", officials of the Department who are also former merchants, Nicholas Hall and Richard Knight talk "the discreet charm of the private sales". They address the subject of masterpieces quietly sold through them and that "otherwise no would have found the path to the art market". A clear message sent to the unfortunate customers victims of the bursts of the economy, which would need cash but not advertising.