The art world is like a vast ocean that can overwhelm nearly everyone seeking to buy antique paintings or contemporary sculptures. If you find yourself in such a situation, then you need the guidance and expertise of an art advisor. These specialists are knowledgeable about the art marketplace, history, aesthetics, and value, and can offer tailored and impartial advice. With the right art advisor’s help, the art collecting experience can be knowledgeable, profitable, and pleasurable. In this list, we’ll introduce you to some of the best art advisors in the business.
1. Lisa Schiff
Lisa Schiff is a well-known art advisor who has been in the art world since 1985. Today, she is considered one of the most influential art advisors globally, whose clients cover the US, Europe, and Asia. She started her advising business in 1999, after holding senior positions at various prestigious galleries, including Mary Boone and Luhring Augustine. Her clients trust her home design opinions, and she also advises them on contemporary art. She has worked closely with artists, collectors, and institutions on multiple projects, such as the Venice Giants exhibition and the first opening of the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing.
2. Sarah Hanson
Sarah Hanson’s forte is contemporary art. In her career, she has worked for Gagosian Gallery as an associate director, joined the Guggenheim Museum as a co-curator for an exhibition, and worked with influential art collectors and investors. Her art advisory business started in 2003 and has since been providing powerful insights into the best art acquisitions from emerging and mid-career artists. Sarah also curates engaging museum exhibitions that push the boundaries of existing art collections.
3. Amy Cappellazzo
As a renowned art historian and curator, Amy Cappellazzo’s experience within the art world spans more than twenty years, where she had been the chairman of Sotheby’s Global Fine Arts Division. She participated in a series of high-profile art auctions and has advised many significant collectors and institutions on their art collections. Her art advisory firm, Art Agency, Partners, provides astute advice on auction buying, art market analysis, and collection management. She’s currently a lecturer at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.
4. Allan Schwartzman
Allan Schwartzman is a seasoned art advisor with expertise in contemporary art. He co-founded Art Agency, Partners alongside Cappellazzo and is especially versatile in the art industry. He is involved in various aspects, including auction analysis, art market consultancy, and collection management. At the same time, he also co-founded the Fine Arts Advisory Committee, and several other influential committees that have guided the art world. Clients seeking to invest in iconic works of art should consider Allan Schwartzman.
5. Bona Montagu
Bona Montagu rightfully deserves a spot on this list, having worked as a diligent and experienced art advisor to her many high-net-worth clients. She studied Art History and English at Edinburgh University and started her consultancy career shortly after. Bona’s expertise lies in British art, particularly the works from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Her unique experience and knowledge in various areas of art have enabled her to build a reputation as a sought-after art advisor.
6. Joshua Holdeman
Another respected name in the world of art advising is Joshua Holdeman, who has been instrumental in guiding new and seasoned collectors. His specialization is in modern and contemporary art, and during his 11-year experience as a Senior Specialist and Vice President at Christie’s, he curated, sold, and appraised several high-value collections. Now, as an art advisor, he helps clients identify the best art investments, lending his expert eye in evaluating the most suitable art pieces for their collection.
In conclusion, choosing the right art advisor is vital in building a collection and making informed art investments. With the help of the right advisor, not only can you find art that suits your taste and budget, but also add valuable pieces to your collection that can build your legacy for generations. From contemporary to traditional art, these six art advisors are at the top of their game and provide acumen and guidance that has made them some of the best art advisors in the industry. So if you’re seeking to build a first-class collection, consider seeking the services of these art advisors and take your collection to the next level.