Antichità Torino are pieces of cultural history that date back to ancient times. They cover the entire timeline of art history and offer insights into early civilizations.
It supports excavations and archaeological field conservation to preserve archeological resources for future generations. We also promote ethical collecting and encourage greater collaboration between archaeologists, museum curators and dealers to support repatriation of stolen objects.
In the antiques market, authenticity is key. It is what legitimises an antiquity’s connection to the past, more than its beauty or emotional appeal. This is why it’s so important to have a full authentication report before acquiring an ancient artefact. Without one, you could be purchasing a forgery.
Many museums, private collectors and auction houses use the services of a professional to verify their purchases. It’s a good idea to work with a dealer who belongs to an archaeological or art trade association, and is familiar with local laws regarding the legality of exporting antiquities. In addition, a reputable dealer will be able to provide detailed documentation of an item’s history. This can include historical records and certificates of authenticity, as well as a detailed description of the item’s construction materials.
Experts agree that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the illicit trafficking of antiquities. This includes increased international cooperation and a change in attitudes. The archaeological community needs to be willing to engage with the antiquities trade, and to make it clear that there is no place for looting on the global market.
It’s also essential to consider the condition of an antiquity when determining its authenticity. Over time, a bronze might develop extra patina or bronze disease, inscriptions on glass and jewellery can fade and even wooden furniture can crack if not cared for properly. It is also important to examine a piece’s restoration work, as excessive or inappropriate restoration can diminish its value and authenticity.
It’s also a good idea to examine an antique’s provenance, as this can help you determine its origin and date. This is especially true if you’re considering purchasing an antiquity from a country that has strict import and export regulations. For example, the law requires that a buyer obtain a certificate of authenticity from a government-appointed archaeological institute before purchasing an object. The law also prohibits the export of items that are known to have been looted from a foreign archaeological site. Authenticity is the most important factor when purchasing an antiquity, so be sure to do your homework and always get a full authentication report before making a purchase.
Legality
The legality of antiquities is a complex issue. Unlike other antiques, ancient artefacts typically come from one time and place and cannot be passed down through generations like household furniture. This unique circumstance, coupled with the immense historical value of an ancient find, has given them special protection under law. Various levels of legal protection exist to prevent the sale of illegally obtained antiquities.
The first and most significant federal law governing archaeology was the Antiquities Act of 1906, which established penalties for illegal excavations or damage to American archaeological sites. Since then, a number of other laws and regulations have been put in place to protect America’s cultural heritage.
International treaties and agreements have also been created to help combat the trade of illegally smuggled antiquities. The 1970 Convention on Illicit Exports and Transfers of Cultural Property is one such agreement, and it has helped to reduce incentives for future pillage by putting the burden of proof on smugglers to prove that their goods are legitimate.
However, despite these efforts the illegal antiquities market continues to thrive. This is due to a number of factors, including the lack of provenance that comes with black market objects and the fact that many buyers are willing to risk purchasing fakes in order to add an important piece to their collection.
In addition, a lot of the demand for these objects is driven by their connection to religion, which has prompted some source nations to seek the return of items deemed to be national property. For example, Turkey has enacted legislation that states any cultural or natural properties requiring protection that are discovered in the country to be state property. This has led to claims by some of the nation’s museums to have their antiquities returned.
The legality of antiquities has also been a major concern for small dealers and auction houses, who face an increasing amount of pressure to withdraw lots that have been sourced or sold by members of the public who are agitated by their sale on social media. For this reason, a number of these institutions are establishing guidelines for their members to ensure that they only purchase and sell items with clear documentation of origin.
Provenance
An important factor when assessing the value of an antique is its provenance. A well-documented history of ownership can significantly boost a piece’s monetary value at auctions and private sales. For example, a simple piece of furniture could see its price skyrocket if it once belonged to a famous historical figure. Similarly, vintage sterling silver jewelry from the estate of a 1920s socialite can command premium prices. This is because illustrious provenance gives an object cultural significance, which can increase its perceived value.
However, not all provenance information is valid. In many cases, dealers make up fictitious histories to attract buyers. In other cases, they may buy objects from old collections without retaining the original invoices or export licences. While banning the trade of undocumented antiquities would help prevent the sale of looted or fake works, it is unrealistic to think that this will solve the issue entirely. The trade of artefacts has a long tradition in the UK and there will always be individuals seeking to purchase them.
Provenance research is a complex and challenging field. It requires a combination of skills, including academic training and the ability to decipher complex documents. In addition, it is important to understand how a dealer acquires the pieces in his or her inventory and how these sources are verified. A thorough understanding of the market is also crucial, as it can impact prices and demand for particular types of antiquities.
Museums have a strong interest in establishing the origins of their holdings. The MFA deplores the destruction of archaeological sites and the trafficking of illicitly excavated and smuggled works of art and has taken steps to ensure that its ancient works have clear legal titles and histories. These include the Museum’s agreements with foreign governments to return illicitly excavated artefacts and a dedicated page on its website that describes the research carried out into its ancient collection.
Despite the challenges, the field of provenance research is growing and there is a strong demand for antiquities with documented histories. This is reflected in the rising prices of items with a detailed history at auctions and private sales. For this reason, it is important for collectors to perform their own due diligence and be wary of sellers who do not welcome questions or seem defensive about their objects’ histories.
Maintenance
When people think of art maintenance and conservation they normally picture mending damaged paintings or other artwork. However, this work can extend to antiquities too. These items are often delicate and sensitive and they must be handled with great care. They also need careful monitoring and specialist maintenance techniques to help them survive in modern environments.
Unlike delftware or maiolica vases that may have spent their lives in an air-tight environment, antiquities have been exposed to harsh weather and natural conditions – some have even been buried under the ground for centuries. When they are unearthed and returned to a modern world, these items can suffer from environmental issues that can cause damage. They can be prone to humidity, light and temperature fluctuations as well as being exposed to mold, mildew and insects.
This is particularly true of organic materials, such as wood and textiles. They tend to be more vulnerable than metals, which are generally quite robust. However, they can still be susceptible to damage from handling and poor storage.
The care and treatment of antiquities is a complex matter, and it is vital to consider the legal implications before starting any restoration work. Inheriting a collection of ancient treasures can bring both excitement and uncertainty as it is often unclear how best to deal with them. There are a number of options available to the new owner, including selling them, but this can be risky as it’s not always possible to prove that you have clear legal title to the pieces.
Repatriation is another option, but this can be problematic if the objects were exported before international laws came into effect. Some owners may prefer to donate them to museums to ensure that they remain in a public collection for posterity and are available for scholarly research. It is important to consult with experts in this area before deciding what to do with inherited antiques.
SAFE (Saving Antiquities For Everyone) is a new non-profit that has been set up to raise awareness of the global looting crisis and how it can be tackled. Its website will feature news articles and features about high-risk areas around the globe, with contributions from archaeologists. It will also provide an open forum for discussion and spotlight success stories. It will also feature links to other sites like the Archaeological Institute of America, Interpol and ICOM’s Emergency Red List.