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I’m a novice collector with a question. I’m interested in purchasing a Marcel Dyf at auction this coming weekend but it looks undervalued. I was told what to look for in a portrait; proportions, condition, and comparables on the market. I got this advise from a dealer from Gladwells from London while at an event at the Salmagundi club in Manhattan. I found an excellent piece. I know it has provenance from Frost & Reed as well as Bonfoey in Cleveland Ohio. I emailed Constantine & Mayer, the auction gallery selling the piece & know it is in exemplary condition, no repairs or in painting. I’ve compared the piece to others that don’t measure up. I found that the Gladwells piece “Yellow Sash” is the only one that is on par to the one at the upcoming auction.
The problem I have is the estimate is too low for me to know if it is appropriate.
My question is this, is auction value affected by the current economy or is it because the gallery is lesser known. I suspect since it’s in Pittsburgh it would be the latter but I’d like to know if there are other factors.
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