Elizabeth Feld is the director of American Decorative Arts at Hirschl & Adler. She joined the company in 1999, and has since curated several exhibitions, including, Of the Newest Fashion: Masterpieces of American Neo-Classical Decorative Arts, and For Work & For Play: A Selection of American Neo-Classical Furniture.
Feld offers her insights into the fine art world of investing and collecting.
The Epoch Times: How should a new collector get started?
Elizabeth Feld: Beginning collectors should begin by using their eyes. You have to love what you collect. You cannot start a collection by checking off boxes of what you think you’re supposed to like. You have to fall in love with something. If you make a connection with a work of art, then it belongs in your collection.
Whether it’s beauty, emotion, or an intellectual undertone that draws you to it, something needs to connect you with a work of art. It’s not just the name. It’s very easy for someone who is just starting out to create a collection based on a list of names, the people who you think you should collect. What’s so special about art is the emotional connection that it can have for you. A wonderful way to start is by visiting art fairs to see what you like, and often more importantly, see what you don’t like.
Epoch Times: What is undervalued in your field?
Ms. Feld: I believe American Neo-classical furniture is incredibly undervalued. The parallel in English and European furniture has been at a prime level for many years, but the parallel American made early 19th century furniture are still great buys. Hirschl & Adler Galleries is interested in work that will defy trends and time. Trends come and go. The market for masterwork, and quality works of art, is very steady. It has been for years. Trendy pieces will have changing market value.
Epoch Times: How do you vet your items?
Ms. Feld: We have a staff of nine director curators here. It’s our mutual interest to handle works of the best quality.
Epoch Times: What is new and exciting in your field?
