appraisal and/or repair or not?

[SnakemanBill]

I picked up this painting last weekend at a yard sale. The artists name is Wilfrid Daleus. I've found some of his paintings online priced from $3000 to $40000. I paid two bucks for it and it has a small about 1/2 inch tear in the canvas. Its size is about 20 X36. I'm trying to decide whether to spend $100 for an appraisal and whatever repairs might cost. What do all the Treasure netters think? The tear is on the left side just above the hibiscus.

 

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[Lost&Found]

You might be able to get a verbal appraisal from an auction house and can base your decision what to do from there. It doesn't look like major damage and the auction houses could recommend a restorer.

 

[mugsisme]

If you have a restorer in your area, why not just get a guessimate on how much it would cost to restore. I had a watch that they wanted $300 to clean. I figured at best I would get another $100 doing that. Wasn't worth it.

Looks nice.

 

[gino22]

Pretty painting.

That being said, don't invest in the restoration or appraisal.

Here's the problem: the artist is still alive and actively marketing his own art. A little Googling led me to his self-run gallery/museum - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daleus-Art-Gallery/137999043018291?sk=info He also has two public Facebook profiles, and seems to be active in the South Florida art scene. Anyone inclined to buy his art can easily contact him and buy direct, and likely commission a custom piece. The prices you see online seem to be generated by himself and his gallery, which is all part of the business - start high and see what it sells for. I don't doubt he has the odd patron who will actually pay full price, but on the resale market, I see it being worth several hundred rather than several thousand. It is actually nice to look at, which I would say contributes more to its value than the name of the artist.

The $15-30k prices on his gallery page are pie in the sky. There are Basquiats and Warhols that won't sell for that.

I would frame it and hang it until the artist has passed, then see where his prices are a few years down the road...

 

[heybubbajay]

Take it to the antiques roadshow and maybe someone will make you an offer in the parking lot!

 

[Lost&Found]

Here is an auction result for a 2 painting lot from 2010. Sold for $500

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/8195905

 

[gino22]

Here is an auction result for a 2 painting lot from 2010. Sold for $500

160: Haitian Artist, Wilfrid Daleus, Two Paintings : Lot 160

About what I thought. Wonder how I missed this.

This made me laugh:

Estimate $100 – $50,000


Some sharp auctioneers, there.

 

[SnakemanBill]

Thanks for all the input. I'll forgo the appraisal /repair route, put it back in its frame and hang it hoping he kicks before I do!