modern art

Modern and Contemporary Art Dealer

Modern and Contemporary art markets have been very strong lately. Auction records continue to break, especially for 21st century artists. Of course original one of a kind works of art bring the most money. However, limited edition lithographs, prints, etchings, aquatints and screen-prints can also be very valuable. Some rare modern and contemporary prints may exceed $100,000!

Modern Art

Modern art started in the mid 19th century and lasted to the mid 20th century. Prior to the 19th century artists were commissioned by wealthy patrons or the church and hence the art of the time depicted religious scenes and was a medium of instruction to the viewer.

Modern Art PaintingWith the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th century there was greater mobility which expanded people’s view of the world and facilitated an exchange of ideas. Artists now depicted people, places, ideas and dreams in their work. They explored newer colors, materials, mediums and techniques.

Modern Art styles include impressionism, cubism, realism and surrealism. The most popular modern artists include Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas and Paul Gauguin. These artists all contributed a number of beautiful masterpieces to the modern art era.

Contemporary Art

Contemporary Art is a bit difficult to define with certainty. Many artists are categorized as being contemporary, but may also be considered as modern. Contemporary art is art that is being produced currently. Many say it is art produced by living artists. Contemporary art began in the mid 20th century and is still being created today. Contemporary art is a reflection of contemporary culture and society. Contemporary art encompasses varied materials, methods, concepts and subjects.

Artists getting the most attention in the auction world today include Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder and Francis Bacon. In 2013 Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog” sold for 58.4 million dollars. This was the most expensive piece of art sold by a living artist. Also in 2013 Francis Bacons’ “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” sold for 142 million dollars. This was the most expensive contemporary art piece ever to sell at auction.

Types of Art Syl-lee will Purchase

  • Post Modern Art
  • Surrealism
  • Conceptual Art
  • Pop Art
  • Photorealism
  • Hyperrealism
  • Minimalism
  • Futurism
  • Impressionism
  • Fauvism

How Syl-Lee Antiques can help

Syl-Lee Antiques is a family-owned and operated business, buying and selling antiques and fine art in the New York City and Long Island markets for over 40 years. We schedule home visits for a free appraisal and purchase your antique items with cash on the spot. We also take care of all the packing and transport of the antiques.

If you are looking for an expert in Modern and Contemporary Art we can help you connect with the right person. We work with many fine art galleries in the Manhattan area. We also work with many auctioneers in Manhattan and Long Island. If we feel your art is more suited to an auction setting we can help you connect to an auction specialist.

At Syl-lee we always put the best interests of our clients first. Our family looks forward to doing business with you.

Syl-Lee Antiques — NYC Antiques Buyer
Call us at (212) 366-9466 to schedule your in-home antique evaluation or contact us via email.