We’ve all been there. You’re on a cruise, you’ve had a few cocktails, the sun is shining, and you’re in a good mood (maybe even in a spending mood). You wander into one of those onboard art auctions and suddenly you’re raising your paddle for a Picasso. Or maybe it’s a Dali. Chagall, perhaps. It’s got a certificate! It must be worth something, right?
Not exactly.
Cruise ship art is usually mass-produced, slickly marketed, and sadly not really collectible. Even though the names sound impressive, these are rarely original works. The resale value? Practically nonexistent. We hate to break it to you, but those “deals” at sea rarely make waves on the serious art market.
At Syl-Lee Antiques, we specialize in buying original works by listed artists, those whose names actually do carry weight in galleries, auction houses, and museum collections.
Whether you’re downsizing, managing an estate, or finally cleaning out that storage unit, we’re here to help you understand what you have and, if it’s worth something, make you a solid offer.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Original paintings, drawings, or prints by listed artists
- Art with gallery labels, provenance, or a history of exhibitions
- Mid-century Modern and traditional styles
- And yes, antique art too, as long as the artist is known
What’s a Listed Artist, Anyway?
Think of them as “the real deal.” Listed artists are those with verified auction records, mentions in scholarly publications, or inclusion in museum collections. You can usually find them in databases like Artnet or AskART.
If you’re wondering what’s hanging on your wall or buried in your attic, please give us a call. We offer free evaluations, straight answers, and fast, fair offers.
Ready to find out what your art is really worth? Let’s have a conversation.
