Authentication and Valuation by
John Schmuecker
BASICS
Pietra dura workshop, lFlorence, Italy, late 19th century. From “Painting in Stone” by Anna Maria Massinells, Aska Publishers, 2014.
To fully participate in the fun of collecting and enjoying Richard Blow/Montici artworks, it helps to have a basic knowledge of:
Experts and Publications in the field.
The history of Florentine pietra dura mosaics
How Richard Blow created and made his mosaics (the artistic process)
AUTHENTICATION
Is it authentic? The Montici Society does not offer an authentication service.
Caveat emptor should always be your motto, particularly when buying from an individual seller.
But you can learn a lot by closely inspecting a Blow/Montici art work, front and back. Blow’s Montici workshop followed the established tradition of other Florentine mosaic workshops which branded their work with artist signatures, company labels, and other markings to help build their reputation, promote their business, or manage inventory. They include:
Logo
Signature(s)
Place and Date
“Made in Italy”
Inventory stickers
Frame
Hanging Hardware
Miscellaneous markings
Reproductions
VALUATION
The Society does not offer a valuation service. No one can predict the art market. Individual artists fall in and out of favor. Tastes change. Even within an artist’s total work, certain themes may resonate with one generation, and be shunned by the next. That said, certain factors that may possibly affect a piece’s value include the following:
Signatures(s)
Size
Physical Condition
Edition Variations
Stone Variety and Workmanship
History/Provenance
Famous Owner
Special Connection to Artist