Fine Art/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am unable to answer enquiries concerning objects, which are NOT related to the areas of Fine Art and Antiques. Nor will I; on the sole basis of any photographic images be willing to give any definitive monetary valuations, or monetary opinions. In such cases I would always advise on getting “real time” valuations and opinions from reputable and qualified auction houses, or third parties. In some applicable cases, I may perhaps give general indications of value, based on the presented materials. True valuations always need a direct “hands on” approach, with perhaps also the necessary research and verifications. Broadly open to almost all questions, regarding the majority of both European, American quality objects, which are related to both Antiques and Fine Art. This also includes modern 20th century designer objects such as furniture etc. My own particular comfort zone areas would be; The decorative Arts, marble, stone, furniture, ivory, bone, amber, ceramics and porcelain, sculpture, glass, silver and metal objects etc. I will also answer inquiries, and give opinions concerning Dutch 17th, 18th and 19th century paintings. Please note that I do have limitations and cannot possibly answer all questions, as the field is very extensive. VERY IMPORTANT and PLEASE NOTE: Please note that; providing > GOOD CLEAR and Preferably High Resolution < photo's of the object(s)in question, is vital. Pics taken with a cell/mobile phone, are of a poor quality and best avoided. Posting signatures only, or just fragments of an artifact - will only provide me with insufficient information and it is often quite misleading. So please; Do post good clear overall images, with your question(s). Failing to do so, may cause rejection, which is also a great pity.

Experience in the area

Since the early 90’s I lead a team of very enthusiastic staff at a business, where have the following disciplines; Restoration and refurbishment of historical buildings and gardens, including interior design. The restoration and care of Fine Art and Antiques at our restoration studio We are also Fine Art and Antique dealers, besides being collectors ourselves for a great number of years.

Organizations

The main professional organization of which I am a member is the BNA, or Association of Dutch Architects, which is equivalent to the US; American Institute of Architects. Affiliated to the Art Loss Register in London and the International Cites Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Publications

Villa Rufolo; The forgotten paradise on earth. Published by the University of Aarhus, Denmark Book reviews and articles for International Archis Magazine, in the Netherlands.

Education/Credentials

Since I wished to become a Restoration Architect, firstly I took my BA degree in Art History. Then after graduation, I followed this immediately by studies to graduate and become a Restoration Architect. Ever since then, I have been an established Restoration Architect and Antiquarian. Since a great number of buildings are also inhabited by Fine Art fixtures and furnishings, I also became absorbed by all the artifacts, which go to fill them and not only the edifices themselves. This and much more, was the reason for gaining an advisory post on the City Commission; For The Protection and Care of Historic Monuments of Amsterdam - Amstelveen.

Awards and Honors

Citations and gratitude; “From the Town of Amalfi” for the groundwork achieved in order bring back the Historical past to the Medieval Villa Rufolo and its vital role in the region. BA in Art Hisory. Graduation Diploma as an Architect & Antiquarian; and also practicing as such. I have also completed a 3 year course in antiques, at the VHOK in Amsterdam VHOK is translated as; ( "The Association of Fine Art Dealers In The Netherlands.")

Past/Present Clients

With a view to the present lawmaking on privacy and reasons of confidentiality, this topic will remain private.

What do you like about this subject?

For me both on a personal and professional level, one is able to navigate backwards and forwards through time, while being able to examine the many different human aspirations. Joining the dots, between past present and future is a times a bit daunting. However, in many respects the getting close; by analyzing our predecessors way of life and ways of thinking is always a huge challenge.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Good communication like learning itself, in relation to others is vital and is a subject on which I am always hoping to achieve in. Perhaps the most frightening aspect of being human, is the fact that we have learnt so much, which has then been forgotten, or at least relegated to a “dusty in tray.”

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

To solve something by using the own language, of the objects time frame. To unlock the doors belonging to closed off rooms, can be quite amazing. Probably, there are indeed some areas of the past which will remain obscured by the “sands of time”. A few objects of the past, are perhaps best left sheltered in a shroud, while others deserve to be uncovered.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Fakes and reproductions have always fascinated people. But also the high prices of some objects, at auctions for example. The subject, even today, is both highly emotional and controversial. The one common denominator which binds all of these issues together would be,the old Latin expression of; “Caveat Emptor.”