Which art form should I invest in?

Oil paintings:

Oil paintings are arguably the classic form of art history. For a long time, they were regarded as the ‘supreme discipline’ of painting; however, there are now many movements that reject this view and would describe oil painting as old-fashioned. Furthermore, oil painting has always been a predominantly male and masterfully practised form of art. Even today, oil painting remains an important part of the art world and often sets itself apart from the very traditional painting styles of past centuries. The oldest oil paintings date from around the 7th century in Afghanistan. However, the spread of oil painting only really began around the 13th century and was predominantly shaped by the artist Jan van Eyck. The pigments are mixed with a ‘drying’ oil, such as linseed oil or walnut oil, and applied to a pre-primed canvas. Oil painting is particularly valued for its vibrant colours and long-lasting durability. With oil paintings, you are often paying for the craftsmanship as well: a well-constructed canvas and primer take a great deal of time to prepare. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, oil paintings still enjoy a very high reputation, so they sit at the top end of the price range. For those starting out, smaller paintings and works by young, up-and-coming artists are a good place to begin.

Sculptures

Sculptures and statues offer the advantage of a three-dimensional perspective. The earliest precursors probably date back to the Stone Age, when they were used as good-luck charms for hunting. Following the emergence of the first civilisations, they served as representations of the gods and objects of worship. In the modern era, themes such as dreams and visions became increasingly important, making way for more experimental ideas. Prices can vary greatly, depending on size and material. It is also worth considering the materials and their durability.

Drawings

Drawings, watercolours and collages are the most affordable way to get started in the world of art. They are traditionally used as studies and sources of inspiration, but are also regarded as works in their own right.

Art prints:

The history of art prints began in Europe in the 15th century. In Germany in particular, printmaking held a prominent position and was incorporated into the major works of almost all artists. The Renaissance style was particularly influential in this regard. Towards the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th, woodcut printing – a form of relief printing – developed. The tradition of this printing process dates back several centuries. Printed art is usually the least expensive. Of course, this also depends on the size of the edition. This guarantees that the works are not produced in quantities exceeding a certain number and are therefore unique. In this context, print 1 of (for example) 10 editions is worth more than print 10 of 10.

Photography

Photographs initially rivalled painting, as they were able to depict scenes realistically and true to life. Today, photography and painting are not mutually exclusive. Photographs have become much more experimental and have established themselves as an important part of the art world. The value of a printed photograph also depends on how many prints were made. The same principle applies here as for print editions.

However, there is one thing you mustn’t forget when making a decision: what matters most is whether you like the image and whether it appeals to you. So the connection is what counts most!